The purpose of this essay is to propose a different explanation of collective behavior and also to hypothesize how communication functions in this process. Using the experimental finding known as the "risky shift," this essay (1) summarizes the history of the risky shift, (2) presents two different theories which have been proposed to…

Provides an insight into the group process of therapy and compares and contrasts the T-group process with therapy group process. The here-and-now orientation was present in T-group and therapy-group interaction. Greater relational conflict was present in the T-group. Members of the therapy group were much more defensive than members of the…

Designed to investigate intra-audience effects in a field setting, this study tested three hypotheses: (1) subjects who are exposed to favorable audience responses by confederates will display more favorable assessments than subjects who are exposed to less favorable responses; (2) subjects who are exposed to favorable audience responses will…

The purpose of this book is to present information about communicating in terms of "if-then" propositions that are based on scientific study. The book consists of two sections--Communication Behavior and Communication Experiments. The chapters in the first section of this book consider relationships, messages, information diffusion, and achieving…

This essay explores the group dynamics relating to the events surrounding the Watergate coverup and attempts to identify the factors that predispose of the parties involved to make inappropriate, foolish, and ineffective choices concerning a criminal case in which none of them initially was culpable. The initial Watergate breakin is briefly…

To assess whether communication behaviors differ between high and low consensus groups, a study considered the comparative interaction of the first meetings of high and low consensus groups, the first and final meetings of high consensus groups, and the first and final meetings of low consensus groups. Subjects, 84 students in a small group…

This paper presents a system designed to measure group role behavior and the direction and degree of subgroup interaction during small group meetings. The system utilizes file classifications of role behavior subdivided into 11 behavior categories. Data are collected in sample observations using live recorders or VTR equipment. Data analysis…

A transactional theory which views interpersonal behavior as being communicated simultaneously on 3 channels was tested. Forty dyadic groups were composed which ranged from compatibility to incompatibility through all possible combinations on the 3 channels. The groups tested the hypothesis that there would be a linear relationship between…

Analyzed the complete interaction of high and low consensus groups in a basic small group course. Interaction analysis indicated that both the relational and content levels of communication are significantly different for high versus low consensus groups. The conclusion that increased feedback leads to decision satisfaction was confirmed. (JAC)

This volume discusses various aspects of nonverbal communication and provides an extensive bibliography of journal articles, listed by author, that are relevant to the topic. Commentary is divided into six sections: "Considerations in Nonverbal Communication," which examines the impact of motion and rhythm, the components of nonverbal…

This speech presents a model of human communication which integrates the existential philosophy of Martin Buber with the communication views of Jonas Salk. In his book, "The Survival of the Wisest," Salk characterizes an "Epoch A" to describe the values and behaviors of the past and an "Epoch B" to describe the necessary values and behaviors for…

This paper seeks to underline the importance of at least acknowledging the existence of a complex set of rules in a grammar of social interaction--and the further reality that while there may be a grammar of social interaction, there are also grammars of social interaction for different groups. It should be possible to find that apparently…

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION HAS LONG ASSUMED THAT IF FARMERS ARE GIVEN INFORMATION, SOME WILL USE IT, AND THAT IDEAS WILL DIFFUSE FROM INNOVATORS TO OTHER FARMERS. HOWEVER, RESEARCH FINDINGS INDICATE THAT ABOUT 16 PERCENT OF FARMING POPULATIONS USE THE INFORMATION PROVIDED AND THAT WIDESPREAD DIFFUSION MAY TAKE UP TO 10 YEARS. DIFFERING VALUES AND…