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…

This paper summarizes and integrates the findings from three separate studies, all of which had as their major objective the investigation of differences in small group behavior between children who have relatively high others-concepts and children who have relatively low others-concepts, as measured by the Paired Hands Test. Group sessions of…

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…

The role of feedback in T-groups was studied. Results indicate that feedback increases as T-groups progress, feedback is more emotional and non-evaluative than cognitive in nature, positive and direct feedback to the leaders increases as the group develops, and specific feedback between members increases as groups progress. (SE)

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…

This study examined the effects of discounting behavior ("put downs") on the quantity and quality of ideas produced by a group and on the group climate. Subjects were 52 college students divided into 8 groups. Groups in which discounting occurred produced significantly fewer ideas, and the emotional response to the group process was…

This study assesses the effect of visual versus audio observation/recording on both client and therapist verbal and non-verbal behavior in ongoing therapy. Three co-led, therapy groups were studied over six weekly sessions under counterbalanced observation conditions. Measures of verbal behavior, verbal productivity, and non-verbal behavior were…

The established unit for reporting sociolinguistic data has been the sociologically determined group. Characteristically, only the mean rate of nonstandard usage for the group is reported for any linguistic feature. Such reporting obscures the possibility of linguistic heterogeneity within the group. Data from Los Angeles school children show that…

This study, employing inclusion, control, and affection as independent variables, tests empirically Schutz' (1958) three-dimensional theory of group process, using a Prisoner's Dilemma experimental analogue situation with dyads. (Author)

Because the practice of humane and ethical behavior among faculty is crucial for a healthy and harmonious environment in a school, this research studied the conceptions of such behavior among a group of teachers through examination of personal narratives. The study identified situations and experiences where humane ethical behavior occurred…

Written for petty officers and chief petty officers, this training manual and nonresident career course is designed for individual study in leadership techniques and styles, effects of stress and conflict on human behavior, interpersonal communication, human behavior and motivation, and basic theories of teaching and learning. Divided into eleven…

Affirmed that verbal behaviors (time speaking, initiated assertions, referrals received and first-person statements) were related to self-traits as measured by personality measures and a subjective self-report. The results are indicative of a proactive-reactive dimension of social interaction from both self and behavioral perspectives. (Author)

Through self-presentations, individuals claim a variety of public images that influence how others regard and treat them in social interactions. An examination of self-presentation in a leadership situation focused on three dimensions of leader behavior: competence, socioemotionality, and prominence. Subjects (N=128) were assigned leadership…

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…