Experimental research by social and cognitive psychologists has established that cooperative groups solve a wide range of problems better than individuals. Cooperative problem solving groups of scientific researchers, auditors, financial analysts, air crash investigators, and forensic art experts are increasingly important in our complex and interdependent society. This comprehensive textbook--the first of its kind in decades--presents important theories and experimental research about group problem solving. The book focuses on tasks that have demonstrably correct solutions within mathematical, logical, scientific, or verbal systems, including algebra problems, analogies, vocabulary, and logical reasoning problems. The book explores basic concepts in group problem solving, social combination models, group memory, group ability and world knowledge tasks, rule induction problems, letters-to-numbers problems, evidence for positive group-to-individual transfer, and social choice theory. The conclusion proposes ten generalizations that are supported by the theory and research on group problem solving. Group Problem Solving is an essential resource for decision-making research in social and cognitive psychology, but also extremely relevant to multidisciplinary and multicultural problem-solving teams in organizational behavior, business administration, management, and behavioral economics.
Communicating in Groups offers a concise, step-by-step introduction to the theory and practice of small group communication and teaches students to develop and apply critical thinking skills in group problem-solving situations. The book continues to synthesize current small group theory and research while presenting the material in a practical and accessible manner for students interested in the dynamics of small group communication. The eighth edition marks the first time two central chapters on communication are integrated into one chapter, capturing key principles of both verbal and non-verbal small group behavior within a new definition of communication. With the firm belief that group participation can be an uplifting, energizing experience, authors Kathy Adams and Gloria Galanes give students the tools they will need to achieve this outcome. Research and theory are presented with a focus on what is important to students—understanding their group experiences and making them effective communicators.
This book is the first to systematically describe the key components necessary to ensure successful implementation of Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) across mental health settings and non-mental health settings that require behavioral management. This resource is designed by the leading experts in CPS and is focused on the clinical and implementation strategies that have proved most successful within various private and institutional agencies. The book begins by defining the approach before delving into the neurobiological components that are key to understanding this concept. Next, the book covers the best practices for implementation and evaluating outcomes, both in the long and short term. The book concludes with a summary of the concept and recommendations for additional resources, making it an excellent concise guide to this cutting edge approach. Collaborative Problem Solving is an excellent resource for psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and all medical professionals working to manage troubling behaviors. The text is also valuable for readers interested in public health, education, improved law enforcement strategies, and all stakeholders seeking to implement this approach within their program, organization, and/or system of care.
ALERT: Before you purchase, check with your instructor or review your course syllabus to ensure that you select the correct ISBN. Several versions of Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products exist for each title, including customized versions for individual schools, and registrations are not transferable. In addition, you may need a CourseID, provided by your instructor, to register for and use Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products. Packages Access codes for Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products may not be included when purchasing or renting from companies other than Pearson; check with the seller before completing your purchase. Used or rental books If you rent or purchase a used book with an access code, the access code may have been redeemed previously and you may have to purchase a new access code. Access codes Access codes that are purchased from sellers other than Pearson carry a higher risk of being either the wrong ISBN or a previously redeemed code. Check with the seller prior to purchase. -- Balances the principles of small group communication with real world applications With an emphasis on real world examples, technology, and ethical collaboration, Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices helps readers enhance their performance in groups and teams, while giving them insight into why group and team members communicate as they do. MySearchLab is a part of the Beebe/Masterson program. Research and writing tools, including access to academic journals, help students understand critical thinking in even greater depth. To provide students with flexibility, students can download the eText to a tablet using the free Pearson eText app. 0133815617 / 9780133815610 Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices Plus MySearchLab with eText -- Access Card Package Package consists of: 0205239927 / 9780205239924 MySearchLab with Pearson eText -- Valuepack Access Card 020598083X / 9780205980833 Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices
The fun and simple problem-solving guide that took Japan by storm Ken Watanabe originally wrote Problem Solving 101 for Japanese schoolchildren. His goal was to help shift the focus in Japanese education from memorization to critical thinking, by adapting some of the techniques he had learned as an elite McKinsey consultant. He was amazed to discover that adults were hungry for his fun and easy guide to problem solving and decision making. The book became a surprise Japanese bestseller, with more than 370,000 in print after six months. Now American businesspeople can also use it to master some powerful skills. Watanabe uses sample scenarios to illustrate his techniques, which include logic trees and matrixes. A rock band figures out how to drive up concert attendance. An aspiring animator budgets for a new computer purchase. Students decide which high school they will attend. Illustrated with diagrams and quirky drawings, the book is simple enough for a middleschooler to understand but sophisticated enough for business leaders to apply to their most challenging problems.
Creative Problem Solving is a process that allows people to apply both creative and critical thinking to find solutions to everyday problems. Creative Problem Solving eliminates the tendency to approach problems in a haphazard manner and, consequently, prevents surprises and/or disappointment with the solution. Used by thousands of group leaders seeking a friendly introduction to using Creative Problem Solving, this book is a time-honored classic. Creative Problem Solving: An Introduction is based on more than five decades of extensive research, development, and field experience in educational settings, businesses, and many other organizations. Written for both group leaders and individuals seeking a systematic way to build innovative and effective solutions, Creative Problem Solving is perfect for any type of setting. This definitive guide shows you how to find successful solutions to important challenges. Creative Problem Solving (CPS) can help your students to approach problems and deal with change in a deliberate and constructive way, building their confidence and success in working with complex issues. This revised and updated fourth edition includes: easy-to-follow instructions for using Creative Problem Solving; practical tools for understanding the challenge, generating ideas, and preparing for action; expanded guidelines for planning your approach to Creative Problem Solving; strategies that ensure successful group dynamics; the latest trends in creative thinking and group problem solving; and practical suggestions for those new to Creative Problem Solving. Educational Resource
Note to Readers: Publisher does not guarantee quality or access to any included digital components if book is purchased through a third-party seller. Applied Problem-Solving in Healthcare Management is a practical textbook devoted to developing and strengthening problem-solving and decision-making leadership competencies of healthcare administration students and healthcare management professionals. Built upon the University of Minnesota Master of Healthcare Administration Program’s Problem-Solving Method, the text describes the “never assume” mindset and the structured method that drive evidence-based, action-oriented problem-solving. The “never assume” mindset requires healthcare leaders to understand themselves and their stakeholders, and to engage in waves of divergent and convergent thinking. This structured method guides the problem solver through the phases of defining, studying, and acting on complex interrelated organizational problems that involve multiple root causes. The book also describes how the Problem-Solving Method is complementary to quality improvement methods and can be used in healthcare organizations along with Lean, Design Thinking, and Human Centered Design. Providing step-by-step instruction including useful tips, tools, activities, and case studies, this effective resource demonstrates the utility of the method for all types of health organization settings including health systems, hospitals, clinics, population health, and long-term care. For students taking health management, capstone, and experiential learning courses, including internship and residency projects, this book allows them to test and apply their problem-solving and decision-making skills to real-world situations. Beyond the classroom, it is an indispensable resource for organizations seeking to enhance the problem-solving skills of their workforce. The authors of the text have nearly 75 years of combined experience in healthcare management, leadership, and professional consulting, and teaching and advising healthcare administration students in classrooms, on student capstone, internship and residency projects, and case competitions. Synthesizing their expertise, this text serves as a guide for those who wish to strengthen their problem-solving abilities to systematically identify, analyze, study, and solve pressing organizational challenges in healthcare settings. Key Features: Describes a mindset and a structured problem-solving method that builds leadership competencies Encourages a step-by-step problem-solving approach to define, study, and act on problems to drive action-oriented solutions Supports experiential learning and coaching for students and professionals early in their careers, applicable especially to healthcare management, capstone, and student consulting courses, internship and residency projects, case competitions, and professional development in organizations Compares the Problem-Solving Method to other complementary methods used in many healthcare organizations, including Lean, Design Thinking, and Human Centered Design
Every meeting leader has faced groups that stagnate creatively, or worse turn acrimonious-a dullness or negativity stemming from the group's inability to pursue ideas productively and beyond their obvious limits. "The Practice of Creativity" offers a bold and time-tested approach to this problem, an approach both dependable and dynamic; one that uses a unique method of metaphorical thinking to stimulate creative response. Written by the former president of Synectics, Inc., this book provides detailed instructions on how to use a method already proven successful in many organizations, including some of the largest and most successful in the world. It explores the process of facing and understanding problems, eliminating inadequate ideas, and unifying the entire group to concentrate its collective intelligence and imagination on fresh solutions. The leader's role is also discussed. Showing leaders not only how to enhance and encourage imagination and flexibility, but to insure that the personal interactions remain open and constructive, that the discussion retains healthy momentum, and that the fear of being "wrong" will not inhibit open, creative expression. An invaluable book for business, government and other organizations, "The Practice of Creativity" is unique in the field of meaningful communications. George Prince was the co-founder and president of Synectics, Inc. Educated at Exeter and at Williams College, he lived in Winchester, Massachusetts until his death in 2009 at age 91. His work has appeared in many prominent publications, including the "Harvard Business Review, " which lists his article on running meetings as one of its all-time most requested reprints.
Engaging groups in drama is a highly effective way to break down barriers and build resilient teams. This concise book of drama-based exercises will be an invaluable tool for practitioners looking to facilitate conflict transformation and is applicable to a wide range of contexts and client groups. The dramatic problem solving approach is a sequential process, from welcoming exercises and forming agreements, to analysing the root problems and building on trust, culminating in the creation of a piece of drama. Each stage is accompanied by activities and illustrated with examples from the author's extensive experience. This book will be an innovative resource for any professionals involved in groupwork including youthworkers, teachers, social workers, arts and family therapists, group psychotherapists, psychologists, school counsellors and community leaders.
265 challenging problems in all phases of group theory, gathered for the most part from papers published since 1950, although some classics are included.
