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