Problem Solving
This problem-solving style occurs less frequently but often separates career successes from career failures. What does this problem-solving style focus on?
A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Managerial problem solving
D) Strategic thinking
B) Creative problem solving
Which is true about creative problem solving?
A) It is a skill that can be taught.
B) It is quick and easy to learn to become a creative problem solver.
C) It is always better than analytical problem solving.
D) It is something that only certain people can learn.
A) It is a skill that can be taught.
What is an example of a thinking language that is capable of breaking down the constancy block?
A) Foreign language
B) Observation and evaluation
C) Visual imagery
D) Alternative generation
C) Visual imagery
Which type of creativity focuses on fast, competitive responses to problems?
A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation
C) Investment
When an individual becomes consistent in how he/she approaches problems, he/she is practicing which conceptual block?
A) Commitment
B) Compression
C) Constancy
D) Complacency
C) Constancy
What is the natural tendency of people in resolving problems?
A) Select the first reasonable solution that comes to mind
B) Select the first reasonable problem that comes to mind
C) Select the best solution after evaluating all the alternatives
D) None of the answer choices are correct.
A) Select the first reasonable solution that comes to mind
What is accomplished by implementing a solution incrementally?
A) Decreases resistance by others to the solution
B) Increases the overall or total costs
C) Creates support with only a few people at a time
D) Helps give people a break during implementation
A) Decreases resistance by others to the solution
Which is the most appropriate approach to creativity when collective effort and involvement of others is important?
A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation
D) Incubation
Which type of creativity focuses on new, revolutionary solutions to problems?
A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation
A) Imagination
You are a manager who would like to enhance the creative problem-solving abilities of your employees. What should you do?
A) Increase their formal education
B) Improve their thinking skills
C) Improve their interpersonal skills
D) Improve their exposure to information
B) Improve their thinking skills
If you are replacing the copier in the office, which problem-solving style would be most appropriate?
A) Analytical problem solving
B) Creative problem solving
C) Neither analytical nor creative problem solving
A) Analytical problem solving
Which should you do when evaluating alternatives?
A) Evaluate alternatives relative to a satisfactory standard
B) Evaluate alternatives in an unstructured and creative manner
C) Evaluate alternatives based on what will work
D) Evaluate alternatives in terms of individual preferences and organizational goals
D) Evaluate alternatives in terms of individual preferences and organizational goals
You have a problem that is both complex and very ambiguous. In looking for a creative solution, what would be best for you to do?
A) Think simply about generating alternatives.
B) Clearly define the problem.
C) Consider multiple approaches to creativity.
D) Assign one person to work alone and solve the problem.
C) Consider multiple approaches to creativity.
Which is the most appropriate approach to creativity when incremental changes and tightening up processes are necessary?
A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation
B) Improvement
Your boss states, "Conceptual blocks are easy to overcome. Also, everyone develops some conceptual blocks over time and we need some to cope with everyday life." Should you agree or disagree?
A) Agree
B) Agree partially; only some conceptual blocks are easy to overcome
C) Disagree
C). Disagree
Looking too narrowly at a problem is what type of conceptual block?
A) Constancy
B) Compression
C) Commitment
D) Complacency
B) Compression
If you have trouble determining the difference between important and unimportant data, you are experiencing which conceptual block?
A) Artificial constraints
B) Ignoring commonalities
C) Separating figure from ground
D) Noninquisitiveness
C) Separating figure from ground
According to research, which would creative problem solvers use?
A) The left hemisphere of the brain
B) The right hemisphere of the brain
C) Both the left and right hemispheres of the brain
C) Both the left and right hemispheres of the brain
Which is the most appropriate approach to creativity when collective effort and involvement of others is important?
A) Imagination
B) Improvement
C) Investment
D) Incubation
D) Incubation
If you assume that individuals who are experienced in launching a new product know the best marketing approach, which conceptual block are you practicing?
A) Vertical thinking
B) Stereotyping
C) Compression
D) Ignoring commonalities
B) Stereotyping