43 practice questions on the six-step problem-solving model, root causes, group decisions and consensus, deciding under stress in a crisis, and ethical decisions. We wrote every one from FEMA's own IS-241.c course text, so you learn the material instead of memorizing an answer list. Practice tests are 25 questions at FEMA's 75% pass mark.
How are decision making and problem solving related?
- A.Decision making happens at every step of problem solving
- B.Decision making only happens at the end
- C.Problem solving is one step of decision making
- D.They are unrelated skills
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A. Decision making happens at every step of problem solving
241-1 · How we make decisions · IS-241.c
When is group decision making often a good choice?
- A.When only one person is affected
- B.When time is very short
- C.When the situation is complex, consequences are big, buy-in matters, and there is time
- D.When the decision is simple
Show answer
C. When the situation is complex, consequences are big, buy-in matters, and there is time
241-14 · Group decision making · IS-241.c
In a crisis, is it better to wait until you have all the information before deciding?
- A.No. A quick decision with course corrections as new information arrives is often better
- B.No. In a crisis, always go with the first idea anyone suggests
- C.Yes, unless the boss is present
- D.Yes. Always wait until all the information is in, because a wrong decision is worse than a slow one
Show answer
A. No. A quick decision with course corrections as new information arrives is often better
241-24 · Crisis decision making · IS-241.c
Where do our ethics come from, according to the course?
- A.Our values: the core beliefs that guide attitudes and actions
- B.From whatever the public wants that day
- C.From our job title
- D.Only from written laws
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A. Our values: the core beliefs that guide attitudes and actions
241-35 · Ethical decision making · IS-241.c
Where do emergency decisions have their beginnings?
- A.Well before any emergency strikes, in the planning process
- B.When the first 911 call comes in and the dispatcher sends the first units
- C.When the EOC opens
- D.After the after-action review, when lessons learned are written down
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A. Well before any emergency strikes, in the planning process
241-2 · How we make decisions · IS-241.c
Which is a limitation of group decision making?
- A.It may end in a compromise instead of the best solution
- B.It always takes less time
- C.It never builds buy-in
- D.It narrows the range of expertise and viewpoints to just a few people
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A. It may end in a compromise instead of the best solution
241-15 · Group decision making · IS-241.c
What should crisis decisions at every level be based on?
- A.Last year's plan only
- B.Whatever the media is reporting
- C.A common operating picture from full, up-to-date situational awareness
- D.Each agency's own private information
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C. A common operating picture from full, up-to-date situational awareness
241-25 · Crisis decision making · IS-241.c
Every option in front of you has a bad outcome. What does the course suggest?
- A.Refuse to decide until a better option appears, since choosing harm is never ethical
- B.The option with the lesser negative consequences is often the better choice
- C.Pick at random
- D.Choose whatever option is easiest to explain to the media and the public afterward
Show answer
B. The option with the lesser negative consequences is often the better choice
241-36 · Ethical decision making · IS-241.c
What three elements does the course call essential for effective decision making?
- A.Clarity of values, quality of information, and an analytical approach
- B.Speed, confidence, and the authority to overrule anyone who disagrees
- C.Budget, staffing, and equipment
- D.Experience, rank, and luck
Show answer
A. Clarity of values, quality of information, and an analytical approach
241-3 · How we make decisions · IS-241.c
What is groupthink?
- A.When a group thinks faster than one person because everyone shares the work of solving the problem
- B.When everyone writes their ideas silently first, then the group votes on which one is best
- C.When a close group's need to agree gets in the way of thinking critically
- D.When the group votes by secret ballot
Show answer
C. When a close group's need to agree gets in the way of thinking critically
241-16 · Group decision making · IS-241.c