Problem Solving in Groups

Decision Making vs. Problem Solving Making a judgment Choosing an option Making choice between alternative Asks who, what, where & when Problem Solving Developing a plan Analyzing a problem Creating a plan of action Asks why & how

Decision Making Methods Voting A majority or two-thirds support a group decision Consensus All group members agree to support a group decision Authority Rule A single person or someone outside the group makes the final decision, with or without recommendations from the group

Benefits of Structured Problem Solving Balanced participation Effective conflict resolution Clear organization Group empowerment

Structured Problem Solving Procedures

Brainstorming Key principles: Defer judgment to improve quality of input Quantity of ideas & output breeds quality Everybody shares ideas All ideas are recorded; none are excluded Best for gathering ideas (topics, criteria, solutions), not for decision making

Other Ways to Promote Creativity Control judgment Encourage innovation Ask what if ?s Use metaphors

Critical Thinking & Argumentation in Groups

Critical Thinking vs. Argumentation The kind of thinking you use when you analyze what you read, see, or hear in order to arrive at a justified conclusion or decision Argumentation The process of advocating a position, analyzing competing ideas, and influencing others

Value of Argumentation in Groups Promotes understanding Promotes critical thinking Values minority opinions Decreases risk of groupthink Improves group decision making

Presenting & Refuting an Argument