CLASS NOTES

Chapter 7: Creative and Critical Thinking in the Small Group

 

I.                     Case Study: Ozarks Greenways, Inc.

a.       Was creative thinking used?

b.       Was critical thinking used?

 

II.                   What is creative thinking?

a.       Creative thinking defined:

b.       Nijstad & Paul Paulus’s factors influencing group creativity

                                                               i.      Creative groups are diverse

                                                             ii.      Creative groups structure their discussions so that their creative potential is realized, not lost

                                                            iii.      Climate is very important

                                                            iv.      Relaxed environment encourages groups to participate

 

III.                  Enhancing Group Creativity

a.       Brainstorming

                                                               i.      Brainstorming defined:

                                                             ii.      Guidelines for brainstorming

1.       Review stages and goal of group

2.       The group is presented with a problem to solve

3.       Members are encouraged to come up with as many solutions as possible to the problem

a.       Quantity is the goal

b.       No evaluation is acceptable, only clarification

c.       Don’t stop generating ideas too soon

4.       All ideas are visibly recorded

5.       critical thinking now comes into play

b.       Synectics

                                                               i.      Synectics defined:

c.       Mind Mapping defined:

 

IV.                What makes thinking critical?

a.       Critical thinking defined:

b.       Evidence defined:

c.       Arguments defined:

V.                  Enhancing Critical Thinking in a Group

a.       Having the Right Attitude

                                                               i.      Open-minded defined:

 

                                                             ii.      Probing questions defined:  Questions designed to help critical thinking by examining information and reasoning more in depth

1.       Example: Why? Where did that come from? What are the author’s credentials?

b.       Gathering information

                                                               i.      Assessing information needs

 

                                                             ii.      Collecting needed resources

1.       Direct observation

2.       Reading

3.       Internet

4.       Electronic databases

5.       Interviews

6.       Other sources: radio programs, television programs, magazines, etc.

c.       Evaluating information

                                                               i.      Determining the Meaning of What is Being Said

1.       Distinguish

 

2.       Identify

 

3.       Evaluate

 

4.       Assess

 

d.       Checking for Errors in Reasoning

                                                               i.      Fallacies defined:

1.       Overgeneralizing:

2.       Attacking a Person Instead of the Argument:

3.       Confusing Causal Relationships:

4.       Either-Or Thinking:

5.       Incomplete Comparison:

e.       Avoiding Groupthink

                                                               i.      Symptoms of groupthink

1.       The group overestimates

2.       The group becomes

3.       Group members experience

                                                             ii.      Preventing groupthink

1.       Encourage members

2.       Establish a norm

a.      Devil’s advocate:

3.       Prevent leaders from

4.       Prevent insulation