Problem Solving in Groups

Decision Making vs. Problem Solving

Decision Making• 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

Critical Thinking

• 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