The question whether individual study of risk problems (familiarization) leads to greater risk taking was investigated. Several explanations of the risk taking shifts are explicit in their requirement for group or social interaction. Investigations of whether risk shifts can be produced in the absence of group interaction have produced conflicting…

Summarizes research on small group processes by giving a comprehensive account of the types of variables primarily studied in the laboratory. These include group structure, group composition, group size, and group relations. Considers effects of power, leadership, conformity to social norms, and role relationships. (Author/AV)

This article focuses on the following areas of group process: the nature of the task group, the steps taken to reach a decision, and the ways in which a leader can effectively manage the inevitable conflict that emerges within groups as the problem-solving process progresses. (CT)

Focuses upon group processes in order to assess the relationships among group composition, interactive processes, and pupil understanding when a cooperative decision-making task is attempted. Reports the nature of discussion in three broad group types and the relationship of this dialogue to pupil understanding. Suggests other related issues for…

Examined effects of workgroup size and structure during collaborative work on complex tasks. Found that dyads produced greater collaboration for low-achievers, whereas small groups generated more cognitive conflict among other students. Productivity did not differ as a function of background structure. Findings posed implications for optimizing…

Although some evidence suggests that providing treatment via service coordination teams is related to improved outcomes among youth in a system of care, the aspects of team structure that contribute to treatment effectiveness are not well understood. This study draws on team membership and attendance data to identify and describe the structure of…

THE T-GROUP IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT MEMBERS IN REEDUCATING THEMSELVES TOWARD IMPROVED SKILL IN HUMAN RELATIONS. MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO DEVELOP THEIR GROUP TOWARD CONSENSUS WHICH WILL SUPPORT THE PERSONAL GROWTH AND LEARNING OF EACH MEMBER, AND THEN, THROUGH ANALYSIS, EVALUATE HUMAN EVENTS THAT OCCUR IN THIS PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT. THE TRAINER DENIES…

Previous research has shown that individuals take more responsibility for group outcomes than other participants attribute to them. To assess whether the interactive component of the group endeavor is the locus of this self-centered bias, group members (N=80) worked on analogies either separately in coaction groups or together in interaction…

Explores the background and rationale of efforts to develop LOGS: a Language of Group Skills which encodes a core of six group competencies in behavioral terms. Joins the organizational development concept of a common language for management to the adult education concept of self-directed learning. (LLL)

A study investigated ways that adult educators might introduce educational activity into a community problem-solving situation and attempted to determine the influence of this activity on growth of the community-problem-solving group. Adult educators by definition included cooperative extension agents, social workers, community mental health…

The qualities of small group communication and interaction were tested in this study, which specifically measured group consensus and the quality of group decision making. Fifty groups of five members each were used. One member of each group was trained to exhibit either high or low "orientation," knowledge of the procedures the group…

Results indicate that students who blame the system for black disadvantages will be more likely to participate in collective behavior. Individuals who blame the system and are high in personal control are also more likely to participate in collective behavior. (Author/AM)

Proposes a typology promoting a conceptual model that addresses the increased demand for use of group processes, continued effectiveness of leadership training programs, research issues regarding basic group dynamics, and generic models designed for the increased understanding of the myriad of group forms across the group spectrum. (Author)

Assessed impact of professional involvement in mutual help groups for mentally ill. Compared social climate and behavioral data on members in groups led by either mental health professional or indigenous group member. Found more formal, psychologically direct approach in professionally led group. Professional involvement appeared to affect both…

This manual is intended primarily for use by small groups that must accomplish tasks within specified periods of time. Chapters, directed toward groups in business, industry, education, religious organizations, politics, government, or virtually any situation where a cooperative effort is required, discuss the following areas: group work as…