Small Group Communication: Exam 3

decision making

making a choice from among several alternatives

Problem Solving

a process that attempts to overcome or manage an obstacle so as to reach a goal

Descriptive Problem Solving Approach

an approach to problem solving that helps people understand how a group solves a problem

Functional Problem Solving Approach

an approach to problem solving that emphasizes the performance of certain activities and effective communication to accomplish a group goal

Prescriptive Problem Solving Approach

an approach to solving problems that identifies specific agendas and techniques to improve problem solving

Reflective thinking

A series of logical, rational steps based on the scientific method of defining, analyzing, and solving a problem

Standard Agenda

A prescriptive agenda for solving a group or team problem that includes (1) identifying and defining the problem, (2) analyzing the problem, (3) identifying possible solutions, (4) selecting the best solution, and (5) implementing the solution

Group Structure

Methods used to keep a group discussion focused and on task, which include using an agenda, rules, procedures, and problem-solving steps

Group Interaction

The give-and-take conversation, talk, dialogue, and reaction to the messages of others that occur during a group discussion

Pareto Principle

The source of 80 percent of the problem comes from 20 percent of the incidents

Criteria

Standards or goals for an acceptable solution

Prototype

A model or smaller version of a solution to a problem that is developed to test the solution, product, or process before implementing the solution on a larger scale

Ideal Solution Format

A problem-solving method that helps a group define a problem, speculate about an ideal solution, and identify the obstacles that keep it from achieving its goal

Single- Question Format

A problem-solving agenda that helps a group identify key issues and subissues of a problem

Creativity

the generation, application, combination, and extension of new ideas

Invention

the process of developing new ideas

Stinking Thinking

Thoughts that limit a person’s, group’s, or organization’s possibilities

Brainstorming

a creative technique designed to help a group generate several solutions to a problem. The more ideas are generated the greater the likelihood a creative solution will be found

Nominal Group Technique

a procedure that uses some of the principles and methods of active brainstorming but has members write their ideas while being quiet and thinking before sharing them with the group. Introverts like this technique cause they can think and reflect

Silent Brainstorming

Used to overcome some of the disadvantages researchers have discovered in exclusively oral brainstorming

Delphi Technique

absentee brainstorming. Individuals share ideas in writing or via e-mail without meeting face-to-face.

Electronic Brainstorming

a technique that makes it possible for a group to generate solutions or strategies by typing ideas at a computer keyboard and having them displayed to the entire group. tend to generate more ideas using this method. Ideas can be generated anonymously

The Affinity Technique

a method for sorting through and organizing ideas that a group may generate. write ideas on post it notes. The entire group organizes the idea into similar categories

Reverse Brainstrorming

works by identifying ways you could cause or worsen a problem. You then reverse these ideas to find solutions you hadn't thought of before.

Rolestorming

A brainstorming technique that involves assuming the role of someone else to help unlock ideas and increase creativity

Brainsketching

A brainstorming technique in which people come up with creative ideas by drawing something rather than using words to describe a proposal

Random-word Technique

method used to enhance creative brainstorming in which one person says a random word to stimulate the development of new ideas