This study compared peer interactions in 12 play groups of 6 preschool children each, containing either typically developing children, children with developmental delays, or both typical and delayed children. Results indicated higher levels of peer interactions in mainstreamed settings but a lack of full acceptance of children with delays by…

Utilizing an integration of social-cognitivist and socio-cultural approaches, this study--comparing the interactive processes among peers and their mentor in two contrasting groups--was designed to explore the reasons why two learning groups, engaged in an inquiry-based learning project with comparatively sustained discussion, produced vastly…

Using a brief experiential group activity called "Choosing a Color Exercise" as an introductory measure, this paper explains the basics of group dynamics and reviews the major theoretical relationships between the group's structure, the dynamics of maintenance and task behaviors, and effective individual performances. The types of functional and…

A study examined developmental trends in the quality and outcomes of disagreements occurring in the conversation of small groups of acquainted peers. Specifically, the study focused on the relationship of disagreeing and arguing sequences to the general level of topical coherence achieved in the conversation as a whole. Five discussion groups,…

Author discusses employing knowledge of group dynamics in conducting a series of sessions with teachers focused around the interaction of teacher and child in the classroom. It is a method of reaching more youngsters, and presents the psychologist with an opportunity to use skills for which he is uniquely trained. (Author/PC)

This study examined the issue of how groups of students attempting to solve problems can be taught to consider moral aspects of the problem at a mature level. Classes in Swiss cantons (N=42) were given one of three different moral problems. Each class was divided into eight groups. The three treatments were: (1) provision of additional background…

The Communication Role Assessment Measure (CRAM) is an application of role theory to organizational communication. Using a communication-based taxonomy, CRAM was developed to integrate previous research in the field and to assess the following elements: the amount of time spent by members of an organization in selected communication roles; their…

This booklet describes the learning experiences that take place in and as a result of a learning laboratory. Part one presents a brief history of the group dynamics movement, focusing especially upon the history of the National Training Laboratory of the National Education Association. Some significant characteristics of laboratory learning are…

The Collaboration Model Project Council, at the University of Florida, represents an attempt to establish interinstitutional collaboration among (1) a university and two community colleges, (2) three county public school systems, (3) the teachers' associations of three counties, (4) community parents and citizens of three counties, and (5) college…

The purpose of this essay was to propose a new explanation of collective behavior and to hypothesize the role of communication in this process. Unlike previous theories, which rely on a group effect, this explanation is based on the behavior of individual members of the collectivity. Using the experimental finding of the "risky shift,"…

Encounter groups, in which blacks and whites were brought together to reduce their mutual fear and hatred, are discussed. Major goals of the groups were: (1) to decrease isolation and separation between the races, thereby reducing distorted interracial conceptions; and (2) to help group members feel accepted as fellow human beings by members of…

The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the nature of group work through a series of thirteen video taped classroom lessons for fourth grade students. Using a case approach technique, the emphasis was on methodological problems. The study showed that even the investigation of a single mode of instruction such as group work is a highly…

This paper reports on the effects of four forms of kinesic communication and three forms of verbal communication on leadership perception in a small group setting. Forty-eight college age discussants were observed in groups of four during twelve 30-minute sessions. Permitted only visual input, eleven previously trained observers recorded four…

The authors offer proposals for studies of human behavior in the courtroom, with respect to communications interaction among jurors and source credibility of attorneys. They refer to innovations in videotaping procedures, which make it possible to examine communications principles and dynamics in the courtroom situation. The first proposed study…

Rather than being motivated to assist people, individuals usually approach a career as a consultant with aspirations of obtaining prestige or supplementing their income. Being a speech teacher, although helpful, is not qualification enough for a position as a consultant in the areas of management and organizational behavior. The types of…