Decision Making & Problem-Solving Ability – Administrative decision analysis

Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)

Combined Competitive Examination (CCE)

Preliminary Examination – General Studies Paper II (Objective Type, 200 Marks)

Topic: Decision Making & Problem-Solving Ability

Sub-Topic: Administrative Decision Analysis

Directions (Q1–Q30):

Each question describes an administrative decision-making situation. Choose the most appropriate and rational option based on principles of governance, efficiency, accountability, and public interest.

MCQ 1

Administrative decision analysis mainly focuses on:
A. Personal preferences of administrators
B. Political considerations only
C. Systematic evaluation of alternatives
D. Random choice under pressure

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Administrative decision analysis involves evaluating alternatives logically to select the most effective option.

MCQ 2

Which of the following is the first step in administrative decision-making?
A. Implementing the decision
B. Identifying the problem
C. Evaluating alternatives
D. Monitoring outcomes

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clear problem identification is essential before analyzing options.

MCQ 3

Cost–benefit analysis in administration helps to:
A. Delay decisions
B. Increase paperwork
C. Compare costs and expected benefits
D. Avoid accountability

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cost–benefit analysis supports rational and economical decisions.

MCQ 4

Which factor is most important while analyzing public policy decisions?
A. Personal comfort of officials
B. Short-term popularity
C. Long-term public interest
D. Media coverage

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Administrative decisions must prioritize sustainable public welfare.

MCQ 5

Evidence-based decision-making means decisions are taken based on:
A. Assumptions
B. Intuition only
C. Data and factual information
D. Political pressure

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Evidence-based governance relies on data, research, and facts.

MCQ 6

Which of the following improves the quality of administrative decisions?
A. Avoiding consultation
B. Centralizing all decisions
C. Stakeholder consultation
D. Ignoring feedback

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Stakeholder inputs provide ground realities and diverse perspectives.

MCQ 7

A decision that maximizes benefits for the largest number reflects:
A. Legalism
B. Utilitarian approach
C. Emotional reasoning
D. Authoritarianism

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Utilitarianism aims at maximum good for maximum people.

MCQ 8

Which constraint most commonly affects administrative decision analysis?
A. Unlimited resources
B. Excess time
C. Limited information and uncertainty
D. Absence of rules

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Administrators often work under information gaps and uncertainty.

MCQ 9

Policy evaluation is conducted mainly to:
A. Justify failures
B. Assess effectiveness of decisions
C. Increase documentation
D. Delay reforms

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Evaluation checks whether decisions achieved intended outcomes.

MCQ 10

In administrative decisions, accountability means:
A. Avoiding responsibility
B. Delegating blame
C. Being answerable for decisions and actions
D. Acting secretly

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Accountability ensures transparency and responsibility.

MCQ 11

Which tool helps in comparing multiple alternatives simultaneously?
A. SWOT analysis
B. Cost–benefit analysis
C. Decision matrix
D. Trial and error

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A decision matrix evaluates alternatives against multiple criteria.

MCQ 12

Administrative discretion should be exercised:
A. Arbitrarily
B. Without rules
C. Within legal and ethical limits
D. Only for personal benefit

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Discretion must align with law, ethics, and public interest.

MCQ 13

Which principle ensures fairness in administrative decisions?
A. Efficiency
B. Neutrality
C. Speed
D. Secrecy

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Neutrality prevents bias and favoritism.

MCQ 14

Risk analysis in decision-making involves:
A. Ignoring uncertainty
B. Identifying potential negative outcomes
C. Focusing only on success
D. Avoiding decisions

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Risk analysis anticipates possible adverse consequences.

MCQ 15

Which decision-making style relies heavily on rules and procedures?
A. Intuitive
B. Rational
C. Bureaucratic
D. Participative

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bureaucratic decisions emphasize formal rules and hierarchy.

MCQ 16

Participative decision-making improves administration by:
A. Slowing processes always
B. Reducing accountability
C. Enhancing acceptance and legitimacy
D. Creating confusion

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Participation increases ownership and cooperation.

MCQ 17

Which factor should be avoided in administrative decision analysis?
A. Bias and prejudice
B. Data analysis
C. Stakeholder views
D. Legal compliance

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Bias distorts objective decision-making.

MCQ 18

Which approach focuses on systematic logical steps in decision-making?
A. Emotional approach
B. Rational approach
C. Political approach
D. Intuitive approach

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The rational approach follows structured analysis and evaluation.

MCQ 19

In public administration, transparency in decisions helps to:
A. Reduce public trust
B. Increase corruption
C. Build public confidence
D. Delay implementation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Transparency promotes trust and legitimacy.

MCQ 20

Which decision is most suitable during emergencies?
A. Lengthy participative decision
B. Delayed rational analysis
C. Quick decision based on available data
D. No decision

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Emergencies demand timely decisions with limited information.

MCQ 21

Administrative decision analysis aims to reduce:
A. Innovation
B. Uncertainty and risk
C. Public participation
D. Efficiency

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Analysis helps minimize uncertainty and potential losses.

MCQ 22

Which factor ensures sustainability of administrative decisions?
A. Short-term gains
B. Political pressure
C. Long-term impact assessment
D. Media popularity

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sustainability depends on future implications.

MCQ 23

Feedback mechanisms are important because they:
A. Delay decisions
B. Highlight implementation issues
C. Reduce responsibility
D. Create confusion

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Feedback allows course correction and improvement.

MCQ 24

Which decision-making error occurs when only initial information is overemphasized?
A. Groupthink
B. Anchoring bias
C. Confirmation bias
D. Availability heuristic

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Anchoring bias causes undue reliance on initial data.

MCQ 25

Administrative decisions should ideally be:
A. Secretive
B. Arbitrary
C. Evidence-based and ethical
D. Influenced by favoritism

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Good governance requires ethics and evidence.

MCQ 26

Which concept ensures that decisions do not harm vulnerable groups?
A. Efficiency
B. Equity
C. Speed
D. Centralization

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Equity promotes fair treatment of all sections.

MCQ 27

Which stage follows implementation in the decision cycle?
A. Problem identification
B. Alternative generation
C. Monitoring and evaluation
D. Policy formulation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Post-implementation review checks effectiveness.

MCQ 28

Administrative decisions taken without adequate data may lead to:
A. Better outcomes
B. Reduced accountability
C. Inefficiency and failure
D. Faster development

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Poor information increases risk of wrong decisions.

MCQ 29

Which quality helps administrators make balanced decisions?
A. Impulsiveness
B. Emotional intelligence
C. Rigidity
D. Indifference

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Emotional intelligence aids judgment and conflict management.

MCQ 30

The ultimate objective of administrative decision analysis is to:
A. Assert authority
B. Avoid criticism
C. Achieve effective public service delivery
D. Centralize power

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Administrative decisions aim to serve public interest efficiently and fairly.

✅ APSC Exam Relevance

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