1. Read the following report.
A well-liked college instructor had just completed making up the final examination and had turned off the lights in the office. Just then a tall, broad figure with dark glasses appeared and demanded the examination. The professor opened the drawer. Everything in the drawer was picked up, and the individual ran down the corridor. The president was notified immediately.
2. Indicate whether you think the following observations are true (T), false (F), or doubtful in that it may be either true or false (?). Judge each observation in order. Do not reread the observations after you have indicated your judgment, and do not change any of your answers.
1. The thief was tall, broad, and wore dark glasses.
2. The professor turned off the lights.
3. A tall figure demanded the examination.
4. The examination was picked up by someone.
5. The examination was picked up by the professor.
6. A tall, broad figure appeared after the professor turned off the lights in the office.
7. The man who opened the drawer was the professor.
8. The professor ran down the corridor.
9. The drawer was never actually opened.
10. Three persons are referred to in this report.
Scoring
The correct answers in reverse order (starting with 10) are: ?, F, ?, ?, T, ?, ?, T, T, ?.
Interpretation
To begin, ask yourself if there was a difference between your answers and the correct ones. If so, why? Why do you think people, individually or in groups, may answer these questions incorrectly? Good planning depends on good decision making by the people doing the planning. Being able to distinguish "facts" and understand one's "inferences" are important steps toward improving the planning process. Involving others to help do the same can frequently assist in this process.