Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making

Which of the following best differentiates creative problem solving from traditional problem solving?

• Emphasis on speed

• Focus on data collection

• Use of divergent thinking

• Reliance on proven methods

During the idea generation phase of creative problem solving, which behavior is most harmful?

• Withholding judgment

• Encouraging all input

• Criticizing suggestions

• Deferring evaluation

A decision matrix is most useful when:

• Gathering ideas

• Solving emotional conflicts

• Evaluating multiple options against criteria

• Understanding customer complaints

Which of the following is NOT a principle of effective brainstorming?

• Encourage wild ideas

• Critique ideas as they come

• Gathering ideas

• Build on the ideas of others

Which problem-solving tool is most associated with identifying root causes?

• Brainwriting

• Affinity Diagram

• SCAMPER

• Fishbone Diagram

When should lateral thinking be used in problem solving?

• Only after a root cause is identified

• When traditional logic fails to yield solutions

• For financial decisions only

• During implementation planning

The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) in problem solving suggests that:

• 80% of ideas are ineffective

• 80% of problems come from 20% of causes

• 20% of decisions take 80% of time

• All problems are equally important

In the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, the "Check" step primarily involves:

• Implementing the solution

• Evaluating the outcome

• Creating new standards

• Brainstorming alternatives

The biggest risk in relying solely on intuition for decision making is:

• Lack of creativity

• Emotional intelligence interference

• Cognitive bias

• Inefficient brainstorming

Which of the following is a common barrier to leaving the comfort zone?

• Curiosity

• Confidence

• Fear of failure

• Willingness to change