The Group Problem- Solving Process
#1 Define the problem.
Oftentimes before groups identify the
problem or know the facts, they propose
solutions.
Slow down! You first need to determine
what the problem is.
Write the problem as a question.
The question should be open to
alternative answers (no yes/no questions).
Limit the question to one central idea. Don’t try to solve
multiple problems at the same time.
Write the question using specific and precise language.
Be sure you know if you are trying to
solve a question of fact, value or policy.
Question of fact – what is true or to what
extent something is true (e.g., Did Dan cheat on the final
exam?)
Question of value – subjective judgments of
what is right, moral, good or just (e.g., Was the
movie Dr. Finn showed in class appropriate?)
Question of policy – what course of action should be taken or what rules
should be adopted (e.g., How should we evaluate
effective teaching?)
#2 Analyze the
problem.
After the group has identified the
problem, the group must gather the
facts.
What are the causes and effects of the
problem?
Have previous attempts been made
to solve the problem?
#3 Establish criteria for the solutions.
You have to identify the conditions a
solution must meet in order to solve the
problem.
For example:It is moral.It meets budgetary restraints.It can be done in a timely manner.It would be effective.
#4 Brainstorm solutions.
Don’t worry (yet) about whether the solution fits the criteria. Your goal in this step is to come up
with the longest list possible given your time
restraints.
Quantity is the goal!
Don’t evaluate the solutions in this step. That will come next.
#5Evaluate the
solutions.
Compare each solution to your list
of criteria.
Mark out the solutions that don’t meet your criteria.
#6Decide on a
solution.
Now it is time to choose among the
solutions you previously generated.
Decisions can be made in many different ways.
Unanimous consensus –
uncontested support for a decision
Majority rule – the solution with the most votes wins
Minority rule – a small number of
members makes a decision on behalf of
the group
Expert opinion– individuals who have
expertise in a particular area make
the decision
Authority rule– the leader of the group makes the decision
Factors such as how important the decision is,
whether the decision requires expert knowledge,
and how quickly the decision must be made, influence the choice of
methods.