102.37 37. GROUP DECISION MAKING

There are two methods of argument that generally help groups reach better decisions. Devil’s advocacy occurs when members raise counter­arguments, even when they are not sincerely held, merely in order to test the strength of a proposed idea. Dialectical inquiry occurs when members extend devil’s advocacy to propose countersolutions to the original idea. These argumentation strategies expose weak assumptions that could prevent participants from making the best decision. Group leaders should encourage both methods of argument.