A group decision-making method in which ideas are pooled and discussed face-to-face after members initially think and write down their ideas independently, is called?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a structured method that perfectly matches the process described in the question.
It begins with members thinking and writing ideas independently (silent generation), which prevents initial group discussions from being dominated by a few individuals.
This is followed by a face-to-face meeting where ideas are pooled, discussed for clarification, and then ranked or voted on.
This two-stage process (independent work followed by structured group interaction) is the hallmark of NGT.

Option A: This is a laboratory technique used in molecular biology and genetics to manipulate DNA.
Option C: A feedback report is a communication tool used to convey information about performance or outcomes; it is not a process for generating ideas or making a collective decision.
Option D: This is a very broad, non-specific term. While NGT can be used as a teaching tool, 'teaching technique' is not the specific name for this structured decision-making method.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Group Decision-Making Techniques as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurse managers use NGT to facilitate team decisions on complex unit issues, such as developing new protocols for infection control, improving patient handoff procedures, or addressing staff scheduling conflicts.
The structured nature of NGT ensures that all team members, including quieter or newer nurses, have an equal voice, leading to more comprehensive solutions and greater staff buy-in.
What if? If the group members were geographically dispersed and could not meet face-to-face, the Delphi technique would be a more appropriate choice. It uses anonymous, iterative questionnaires to gather expert opinions without requiring a physical meeting.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question stem to identify the key characteristics of the process being described. The stem highlights two main phases: (1) members 'initially think and write down their ideas independently,' and (2) ideas are then 'pooled and discussed face-to-face.'
Next, evaluate each option against these characteristics.
Eliminate options that are clearly from a different domain, such as 'Recombinant gene technique' (biology).
Differentiate between specific processes and general categories. 'Teaching technique' is a broad category, whereas the question describes a very specific method.
Compare the remaining specific options. The description perfectly matches the definition of the Nominal Group Technique.
Confirm your choice by recalling that NGT is specifically designed to balance independent thought with structured group interaction.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Essentials of Educational Technology Nursing EducationL Gopichandran C Kanniammal (pp 39-344 of 355) pp. 103-105, 153-155

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.