Q&A Hero

Q: One way to describe groupthink is logical consensus.

Q: Pats group is trying to come up with ideas and has decided to have a meeting in order to think of as many ideas as possible. This example illustrated groupthink.

Q: According to the trait leadership approach, certain traits will mean that a person is destined to lead.

Q: The traits approach to leadership suggests that when we become leaders, we begin to develop traits that will help us to learn better ways to lead.

Q: A process leader will demonstrate people skills.

Q: A transformational leader provides the group with a new vision.

Q: A group that is focused on the action steps needed to achieve their goal is using a results-driven structure.

Q: Identifying and defining the problem includes a discussion of who is harmed by the problem, and when the harmful effects occur.

Q: It is usually better to spend time discussing which solutions you prefer before you analyze a problem.

Q: The journalists six questions method is one technique to help clarify the problem during the reflective thinking process.

Q: Force field analysis is an effective tool for identifying the problem.

Q: Shelby told the group that the project should be implemented by April. This is an example of establishing criteria.

Q: The key to brainstorming is to praise each suggestion as it is made to encourage members to keep participating.

Q: As the text notes, most meetings have one or more of the following goals: _____. a. giving information, managing conflict, solving a problem b. researching a topic, taking action, managing conflict c. giving information, discussing information, taking action d. discussing information, managing conflict, solving a problem

Q: Step two in developing a meeting agenda involves _____. a. determining meeting goals b. organizing the agenda c. researching action items d. identifying what needs to be discussed

Q: Oliver noted that since there were only four people at the meeting, there werent enough members to conduct official business. This meeting was lacking _____. a. a leader b. an agenda c. a quorum d. metadiscussion

Q: Which of the following is an example of a metadiscussion comment? a. I think the idea to bring in a local band is an excellent one. b. Im not clear on the criteria. Can we review it again before proceeding? c. Whats for lunch? d. Does anyone know the latest statistic on average ACT scores for incoming freshmen?

Q: Marianna said, Suzie, youve done some research on honors programs in other departments. What have you found out that might work in our department? By saying this, Mariannawas using her _____ skills. a. transformational leadership b. brainstorming c. gatekeeping d. problem-solving

Q: Which of the following statements would be the best way to bring the group back on track? a. Tom, your comment was irrelevant. b. You need to focus on the task at hand. c. Youre not listening to what I have to say. d. I think we need to spend time discussing the next item on the agenda.

Q: One of the advantages of working in groups is that groups typically solve a problem more quickly than individuals can do alone.

Q: Vigilant thinkers pay attention to the structure of the problem-solving group.

Q: A results-driven structure for group work means the group should identify a goal.

Q: Zack was elected by his group to be the leader. During the group meetings, he did not recommend any procedures for discussing decisions, he did not volunteer any information, and he only did what he was asked to do specifically. What leadership style was Zack using? a. Democratic b. Laissez faire c. Authoritarian d. Participative

Q: In what situation would it be appropriate to utilize an authoritarian leadership style with your group? a. When you need input from all group members. b. When there is a need for a quick, important decision. c. When you have more than fifteen people in the group. d. When you have an agenda.

Q: Which approach to leadership identifies the key task and process roles that need to be performed in a group? a. Situational b. Trait c. Transformational d. Functional

Q: Which of the following is an example of deep-level diversity? a. A persons gender b. Someones opinion about the government c. The clothes a person is wearing d. A persons ethnicity

Q: Gloria is a leader who leads by developing a shared vision and uses listening and relationship-building skills to create a climate of trust. Which type of leader is Gloria? a. Situational b. Transformational c. Democratic d. Laissez-faire

Q: A transformational leader influences the group by _____. a. providing a structure to help the group accomplish critical thinking b. giving the group a new vision or energizing its culture c. using democratic leadership style d. understanding the leadership style that is appropriate for the given situation

Q: Which of the following is TRUE of authoritarian leaders? a. Authoritarian leaders direct and control others. b. Authoritarian leaders solicit input from others and seek to lead by involving others in the decisions. c. Authoritarian leaders intentionally influence others only when asked or directed by others to lead. d. Authoritarian leaders are also democratic leaders.

Q: According to the survey noted in the text, the most common problem that occurs in meetings is _____. a. the length of the meeting b. getting off the subject c. people coming unprepared d. people arriving late

Q: Alfredo was leading a group recently in which most of the group members agreed with one of the major decisions, but that decision was not unanimously supported. There was,however,enough agreement in the endthat the decision was supported by all members. This is an example of a _____. a. full agreement b. groupthink c. brainstorming d. consensus

Q: Tamara is a group leader and recently she made a suggestion to her group members. While theydid not all fully support the idea, they wanted to avoid conflict with Tamara, so there was very little disagreement during the brief discussion.Thus, she was sure that the group was all in agreement andher idea went forward. This is an example of______. a. brainstorming b. groupthink c. silent brainstorming d. nominal group technique

Q: Which of the following is seen as a cause of groupthink? a. The group has assigned a devils advocate. b. The group is using electronic brainstorming. c. The group feels apathetic about the task. d. The leader is keeping the group focused on the goal.

Q: Once Paruls group had decided the best topic for their presentation, Parul assigned Carson to do research on the topic and Millie to interview the college dean. Which step in the reflective-thinking process does this exemplify? a. Take action b. Analyze the problem c. Generate creative solutions d. Identify and define the problem

Q: The ability to influence the behavior of others through communication is the definition of _____. a. power b. control c. leadership d. groupthink

Q: Which approach to leadership assumes that leaders are born, not made? a. Trait approach b. Functional approach c. Styles approach d. Situational approach

Q: A leader who guides and facilitates discussion rather than dominating it demonstrates which style of leadership? a. Democratic b. Authoritarian c. Passive d. Laissez-faire

Q: The instructor assigned Jan to be the groups leader, but she has become a dictator in group meetings. She rarely allows other group members offer suggestions and always controls how much gets accomplished. Whats the term for Jans leadership style? a. Democratic b. Laissez faire c. Authoritarian d. Participative

Q: Which of the following is TRUE of consensus? a. The decision is determined by majority vote. b. One-hundred percent of the group voted for the proposal. c. All group members can support the groups decision. d. The majority of the group members can support the decision.

Q: The three primary strategies groups can use to reach a consensus include all of the following EXCEPT _____. a. be goal oriented b. listen c. promote honest dialogue and discussion d. avoid dissenters

Q: .9 The reflective thinking model is based on the _____ method. a. psychosocial b. scientific c. spatial d. biological

Q: Which of these techniques does the text suggest as a way to help clarify a problem? a. Force field analysis b. Journalists six questions c. Nominal group technique d. T chart

Q: When a group establishes standards for evaluating possible solutions, they are developing their _____. a. problem definitions b. criteria c. relationships d. solutions

Q: In the force field analysis technique, forces that increase the likelihood that a desired goal will occur are called _____ forces. a. driving b. placed c. evaluative d. restraining

Q: The generation, application, combination, and extension of new ideas is called _____. a. creativity b. driving force c. vigilant d. reflective thinking

Q: Carlos is trying to get some of his fellow college students to join him in cleaning up the three campus parks. Each student will earn one credit hour in general studies if they volunteer. Which of the following would be a restraining force in this situation? a. Students get to work for academic credit. b. Many of the students want to see clean parks on campus. c. It will be an opportunity to work with friends. d. Students dont know where to volunteer.

Q: Sumits group begins brainstorming ideas. Becky states an idea and Sumit says, I think thats the best idea Ive heard yet. Based on this example, what should Sumit keep in mind while brainstorming? a. It is important to offer constructive criticism rather than praise. b. Generation of ideas and evaluation of ideas should be separate. c. Praise only the ideas that you think could be feasible solutions. d. Nonverbal feedback is more effective than verbal feedback.

Q: What is nominal group technique? a. Brainstorming silently by individuals followed by sharing ideas with the group. b. Group members shouting out ideas off the cuff as quickly as possible. c. Searching the Internet for what has been done in the past. d. Interviewing experts on the topic to gain their insights on past solutions.

Q: Tomas thought to himself about possible solutions to his groups problem before he provided those ideas aloud to the group. The technique Tomas used is called silent brainstorming or _____. a. vigilant thinking b. nominal group technique c. interaction d. groupthink

Q: Groups that are organized around the action steps needed to achieve their goals are _____. a. vigilant b. functional c. laissez-faire d. results-driven

Q: James, Matt, Karla, and Ann have formed a research group to study a communication theory. They each are responsible for contributing five articles to the group. They meet in the library and identify twenty articles that deal with their theory. They divide up the articles, and they schedule a meeting in which they will give a report to the other group members over their five articles. This group is using which function effectively? a. Identify a clear, elevating goal b. Gather and share appropriate information c. Develop options d. Evaluate ideas

Q: Koreshs group was considering how to approach the general topic of meth labs in their panel discussion. Some wanted to discuss the problem on a national scale, but Koresh wanted to limit the topic to what was happening within the local area only. They had been arguing this for some time, and group members were getting frustrated. Finally, Sam suggested that they use a chalkboard, and make a written list of the pros and cons of each option. They did this, and it became clear that the best choice would be to limit the topic to the local area. Which function did Sam suggest for his group? a. Identify a clear goal b. Gather and use information effectively c. Develop sensitivity toward others d. Evaluate ideas

Q: James, Matt, Karla, and Ann meet to discuss how they will put together their class presentation on a communication theory. Ann expresses concern because she feels the presentation is not equally distributed among group members. James quickly dismisses her concern without further discussion. James would be advised to remember which of the following functions of effective group members? a. Identify a clear, elevating goal b. Develop options c. Develop sensitivity toward others d. Gather and use information effectively

Q: During a recent meeting, group members shared in a give-and-take discussion and were responsive to the comments of others in the group. This type of discussion can be said to constitute _____. a. structure b. reflective thinking c. interaction d. evaluation

Q: When a group first gets together, it needs to determine what it is going to do. In other words, it needs to determine the groups _____. a. goal b. socialization c. structure d. leader

Q: According to the text, which of the following is a question that a vigilant thinker should consider? a. What goal does the group want to achieve? b. How can conflict be minimized in the group? c. How can I achieve my agenda? d. How can we avoid groupthink?

Q: Jakes communication teacher had just assigned groups for a problem-solving discussion project. After briefly introducing themselves, Jakes group quickly began talking over the topic they would select. Charise suggested, Lets just discuss alcohol abuse on campus; theres lots of information available, and we all know someone it applies to. Jeremy piped in, Yes, lets do it. Why waste time haggling over topics? Lets just get on with it. Jake replied, Why dont we hold off deciding until we think of some additional topics. That way, well have several to choose from and we can compare them. Which function is Jake suggesting for his group? a. Identify a clear goal b. Gather and use information effectively c. Develop options d. Develop a results-driven structure

Q: After Jennifers group in her communication class had met twice, they finally began to get serious about selecting a topic for their project. Several of the group members wanted to do a project concerning the parking situation on campus, because they thought it would be easy to understand. Tyler, a member of student government, wanted to do a project on the use of student fees, because he had worked on that already and had a lot of information. Each person in the group had a favorite topic, and no one wanted to consider the other topics. Most of the discussion revolved around trying to persuade the others to choose a given topic. Which phase is this group experiencing? a. Orientation b. Conflict c. Emergence d. Reinforcement

Q: Lairds project group in his communication class selected the topic of improving services for nontraditional students on campus. Each member in the group had volunteered to talk to a different member of the university staff, and several members had volunteered to search the Internet for what other schools might be doing. Ricardo had volunteered to be moderator and was efficient at running the group meetings. On their fifth meeting, members of the group shared information they had gathered. What phase is this group experiencing? a. Orientation b. Conflict c. Emergence d. Reinforcement

Q: When Morgans teacher divided her class into groups, Morgan ended up in a group with four other people who were all strangers to each other. At first, they took turns introducing themselves and telling the others their majors. Although the discussion was pleasant, it was somewhat strained and uncomfortable. Morgan wondered who in the group would be motivated to work and who would be a slacker. This group is most likely experiencing _____. a. primary tension b. secondary tension c. high cohesiveness d. communication breakdown

Q: The four phases of Aubrey Fishers model of group communication are orientation, conflict, emergence, and _____. a. reinforcement b. attitude c. hierarchy d. assumption

Q: Which of the following is a collectivistic assumption? a. The individual should work primarily for the group. b. The individual should work primarily for the individual. c. Planning should be done by group leaders. d. Meetings are for sharing information with others.

Q: Which of the following is an example of primary tension? a. After voting on the new bylaw, many of the group members split into groups to talk about why they agreed or disagreed with the decision. b. Even though the group had been meeting for almost a year, they still couldnt agree on a leader. c. At the first meeting of the study group, Sylvia and John were anxious about what was going to happen, since they didnt know anyone else in the group. d. It was difficult to get everyone in Kims work group to agree on the next project, so she decided to take a leadership role.

Q: For a collection of people to be considered a group, individuals should have a sense of belonging to the group.

Q: One of the primary differences between a team and a group is that teams are more likely than groups to develop explicit rules for how the tasks should be accomplished.

Q: 10.1 Multiple Choice

Q: Ian is a member of a smaller group of people within his group who formed a common bond among themselves. This smaller group is known as which of the following? a. A wheel b. A chain c. A clique d. A deviation

Q: George, Paul, and Sue tend to sit together at meetings and seem to like telling stories to each other, sharing private jokes, and sometimes talking about other group members. The trio would be known as a _____. a. group deviate b. referent group c. clique d. blocker

Q: Vlad is the leader of a group; he receives most of the messages from the group members, and he provides most of the information the group members receive. This is an example of a(n) _____ network. a. all-channel b. chain c. wheel d. clear-channel

Q: When a group becomes familiar with its members and the group task, this is known as the _____ phase of group development. a. orientation b. conflict c. emergence d. reinforcement

Q: Which of the following correctly depicts the relationship between group cohesiveness and group productivity? a. As cohesiveness increases, productivity increases. b. As cohesiveness increases, productivity decreases. c. When a group is too cohesive, productivity can suffer. d. The relationship between productivity and cohesiveness is linear.

Q: Leonard is agroup member who holds a different opinion than the other group members, and the other members spend a lot of time talking to him to try to change his mind. Leonard would be known as a _____. a. clique b. group deviate c. status-seeker d. rewarder

Q: Which of the following accurately describes an all-channel network? a. Groups use chat rooms for their meetings. b. All members make comments to the high status members, but rarely to low status members. c. The norms of the group include raising ones hand when one wants to make a comment or ask a question. d. Everyone talks to everyone else and no cliques or subgroups emerge.

Q: Which communication network is characterized by everyone talking to everyone else? a. Wheel network b. All-channel network c. Chain network d. Primary network

Q: Gretchen decides to join a study group. She attends the group for the first time and arrives about 10 minutes early for the meeting. She is surprised to see that no other group members have arrived. In fact, no one showed up until ten minutes past the posted start time. Gretchen realizes that arriving late is deemed appropriate behavior by the group. This would be an example of a group _____. a. norm b. role c. status d. power

Q: Sara noticed that everyone looked up to her manager. He has a lot of influence on department decisions, and all of the workers knew he would listen to their suggestions. The importance and prestige Saras manager has is an example of _____. a. power b. status c. character d. context

Q: Leroy was recently elected to the position of chair of his department at the university. With regard to department business, Leroy now has which type of power? a. Reward b. Expert c. Legitimate d. Coercive

Q: If a person had the power to influence people by making them uncomfortable, he or she has_____ power. a. legitimate b. referent c. expert d. coercive

Q: Although Ali was quiet and spoke up rarely in his class project group, the group knew he was a pre-med major and respected his academic success. When the group decided to use the topic of genetic research for their project, they listened carefully to Alis ideas on appropriate sources. Given these circumstances, what type of power does Ali have in his group? a. Coercive b. Referent c. Expert d. Reward

Q: Teachers who use bonus points to get students to attend public speeches outside of class are making use of what type of power? a. Referent b. Coercive c. Expert d. Reward