This study examines the impact of one important task characteristic for the process by which groups solve problems. The principal comparison is between a generative problem and a choice task, and whether or not the differences between these types of tasks affect the group's methods for arriving at a decision. Two types of analysis are conducted of the process by which 43 groups solve a hypothetical personnel selection problem. The results show a disparity between the manifest and implicit choice processes, with the latter determining the decisions. Implications are discussed for the relationship between manifest and implicit processes. (Author/KA)