This paper investigates the effects that different patterns of similarity among group members have on a group's performance on a problem-solving task. I discuss and test hypotheses on the effects of similarity on group performance derived from two literatures: balance theory and research on homophily. In an experiment I found that the relative…

Provides a conceptual model developed to unify the spectrum of task-, socio-, and psycho-group processes used by guidance and counseling personnel. Describes a structure for group leaders to follow within their various group modalities using four distinguishing variables: objective, size, leader behavior, and member behavior and expectations.…

Praises "The Counseling Psychologist" focus issue (1990) for its excellent review of group psychotherapy literature and reacts to individual articles. Describes a conceptual model that encompasses key therapeutic factors and elements central to design and leadership of thematic groups. Compares three major forms of group…

This article reflects upon Rex Stockton's contributions to the area of group process and outcome research. Through a series of research studies and literature reviews, Stockton has contributed to the current understanding of the precise mechanisms of change through which groups are effective. His work in the areas of structure, cohesion, premature…

This paper tests four models of the effect of the size of a subgroup of an organization on the proportion of attraction choices made by members of the subgroup that are given to other members of the subgroup. The data base consists of friendship and respect choices made by members of the Maryland State Police force. The four models are: simple…

Just as one has a different sense of a mountain from each approach to it, so each group theory gives differing and somewhat overlapping aspects of group functioning. Each approach can help explain part of what is going on. Jung focuses on the perceptual and evaluative aspects of the individual and the resulting group consequences. Schutz focuses…

This paper explores how organizational features of high schools influence the informal interaction of students attending them. Size of school, composition of the student body, and differentiation into curriculum and grade levels are factors which affect the patterns of informal interaction among students. The informal social arrangement of…

This research describes an observation study of 100 children, ages 9-13 years, on the island of 'Ua Pou, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. The children were in a French government boarding school in the main valley of the island. Complex, sophisticated group processes among the Marquesan children were observed. The role structures of the group…