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2019 - Volume 3 - Number 2

Organizational Processes of Problem Solving Groups

Jason P. Herron * Jason.herron@wichita.edu * ORCID: 0000-0002-6681-140X
Wichita State University, College for Applied Studies, Wichita, UNITED STATES

Maeghan Nichole Hennessey * maeghan@ou.edu
University of Oklahoma, Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, Norman, UNITED STATES

Open Journal for Educational Research, 2019, 3(2), 39-52 * https://doi.org/10.32591/coas.ojer.0302.01039h
Online Published Date: 25 July 2019

LICENCE: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

ARTICLE (Full Text - PDF)

KEY WORDS: group problem-solving, decision-making, judgement, complex problem-solving, simulated knowledge.

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this study is to examine organizational decision-making processes of problem-solving groups. This experimental design study utilized a case study method bounded by a fictional problem-solving scenario to illicit problem solving in groups. Fourteen undergraduate pre-service teachers were placed into six groups and given 45 minutes to create a collaborative solution to the problem-solving scenario. Data sources consisted of group observations and focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic technique. Results indicated seven themes that illuminate the nature of the group’s organization of cognitive processes and possible solutions. The results of this study may help understand how groups organize information, solutions, and cognitions in a complex group decision-making environment.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Jason P. Herron, Wichita State University, College for Applied Studies, UNITED STATES. E-mail: Jason.Herron@wichita.edu.

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