What is defined as the sudden unrestrained offering of ideas by all members of a group to seek solutions to problems?

• A. Brainstorming
• B. Decision making
• C. Mediation
• D. Negotiation

Answer: (A)

Free-flow idea generation from every group member to solve a problem is brainstorming. The key is unleashing ideas in a spontaneous, nonjudgmental flow so many possible solutions can be explored. Participants share ideas aloud, build on others’ suggestions, and hold off on evaluating or rejecting ideas until later. This creates a rich set of options, increasing the chance of finding a creative and effective solution. Brainstorming is most effective when it’s time-limited and when everyone follows rules like deferring criticism and encouraging wild ideas, because that keeps energy high and prevents early shut-down of useful possibilities. After collecting ideas, the group can review, combine, and refine them to identify the best path forward.

This fits the description because the goal is to generate a broad range of ideas rather than immediately deciding among them. It’s not about resolving conflicts through neutral mediation, nor about bargaining to reach an agreement, nor about making a final choice among alternatives. In brainstorming, the emphasis is on the initial generation and expansion of ideas.