A driving factor in designing interactive museum exhibits to support simultaneous users is that visitors learn from one another via observation and conversation. Researchers typically analyze such collaborative interactions among museumgoers through manual coding of live- or video-recorded exhibit use. We sought to determine how log data from an…

A new theory of interaction within small groups posits that group members initiate actions when tension mounts between the affective meanings of their situational identities and impressions produced by recent events. Actors choose partners and behaviors so as to reduce the tensions. A computer model based on this theory, incorporating reciprocal…

CSCL systems which follow the dual-interaction spaces paradigm support the synchronous construction and discussion of shared artifacts by distributed or colocated small groups of learners. The most recent generic dual-interaction space environments, either model based or component based, can be deeply customized by teachers for supporting…

Proposes a multidimensional system based on commonly used measurement parameters in group research. Combines and crosses four dimensions describing the who, what, how, and when, of process measurement as a first step toward an orderly classification system. (Author/LLL)

Presents an exploratory taxonomy of small group interaction-coding systems. Six dimensions that characterize interaction-coding schemes are presented in a hierarchical order ranging from abstract conceptual issues to specific methodological ones. These dimensions are: philosophical perspective, conceptual and operational focus, observer inference,…

The Segal Interaction Analysis Scale (SIAS)--a categorization of verbal behaviors--is described and its uses indicated for promoting effective and productive group discussions. (MB)

This study uses two methods of analysis to examine the degree to which items within the cells of the Hill Interaction Matrix correlate. It is found that the table of specifications does not hold up. But the author recommends caution in interpreting this finding. (Author/BP)

The relationship of 2 important variables -- group composition and time -- to the verbal behavior of sensitivity training groups, using 2 recently developed assessment procedures, is investigated. Sensitivity groups were composed according to the interpersonal skills of participants, as measured by a structured behavioral technique, the Group…

Leadership style, group composition, and group development are simultaneously quantified through the use of the matrix. It represents an attempt to objectify the art of group therapy. Comment by Richard C. Rank follows. (Author)

Essentially, the HIM is a systematic set of categories developed for use in understanding and classifying interaction in small groups, especially therapy groups. It has, however, been used not only on T-groups, encounter groups, discussion groups, and such, but also on individual and dyadic counseling sessions. (Author)

Symbolic interactionism, or the interactional perspective, provides the broadest overview of the major theoretical divisions in the field of speech communication. It is neither too abstract nor overly concrete and is directly linked to communicative behavior, and thus does not impose an inappropriate mechanism on the discipline in order to create…

This paper is an account of the theoretical and practical underpinnings of the Decision-Proposal Modification Coding System (DPM), which allows researchers to study more accurately the many aspects of group decision making in organizations. Following an introduction that reviews and supports arguments for process-oriented research on decision…

This study evaluated behavior change occurring after a marathon group experience, with a focus on individualized rather than shared behavioral change criteria. The individualization of behavior change criteria is based on the assertion that few, if any, single change criteria are appropriate or realistic for assessing change in all individuals.…

To assess two group models being developed in the Mental Health Study Center, NIMH, this paper compares HIM data from these models with norms from a previous study. By contrasting HIM results from groups of married couples, young adolescents, and parents and teachers, one obtains a better understanding of the effectiveness of these models. (Author)

Four mechanisms of social control are analyzed in relationship to a typology of school staffs which in several respects resemble primary groups. Findings suggest the co-variation of structures of colleague relations and colleague social controls in elementary schools. (Author)