This discussion is concerned with the rationale and method of the Woodard Outreach Group Model. Included is a description of some of the theoretical and strategic matters involved with this method of working with small groups. Examples are presented illustrating ways in which the model has been modified and used with success in a variety 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…

Strain theory, which is widely criticized, presumes a negative relationship between social class and delinquency. The theory is strengthened with the following variables added to the analysis: (1) grade level, (2) social status, (3) achievement, (4) absences and dropout frequency, and (5) tracking. The paradigm of collective behavior may also be…

Studies the sequence of phases in group decision making. Compares the unitary sequence model, which assumes that all groups follow the same sequence of phases, and the multiple sequence model, which assumes that different groups follow different sequences. Results support the latter model and suggest revisions in current decision development. (PD)

Although rich in theoretical constructs, American Indian Studies is not considered a discipline because it lacks a core assumption or paradigm. The concept of peoplehood could be that core assumption because its elements--language, sacred history, religion, and land--make up a complete system that accounts for particular behaviors of people…

Counseling in small groups was planned for a sample of youth from the Neighborhood Youth Corps (NYC). Five models were involved: (1) Interpersonal, (2) Intropersonal, (3) Problem Identification, (4) Perceptual Modification, and (5) Relationship. Each model, designed to elicit specified behavior, utilized task prescriptions, selective responding,…

Anticipated changes in work requirements for counselors are presented. The Tavistock group relations conference is suggested as one avenue for developing skills in understanding the nature of group behavior and the consequences of the exercise of authority. (Author)

Explains a conceptual model by Chris Argyris dealing with organizational conflict. Applies the theory to college residence halls. Suggests that resident assistants need more responsibility and authority. Urges that they be allowed more input into housing policy in order to improve living conditions and student satisfaction. (Author/JAC)

Discusses the goals of team building, scope of team-building interventions, and specific contributions of both experiential (corporate adventure training) and nonexperiential (traditional) methods for increasing work-group effectiveness. A model for effectively combining the two approaches involves establishing goals, clarifying team members'…

Measures the degree to which group guidance and small group counseling generated positive change in the social acceptance and self-esteem of normal and socially inefficacious adolescents. Both methods enhanced the social acceptability of the adolescents, with partial gains recorded in self-esteem. Recommends a combination of both methods. (RJM)

A questionnaire containing all 78 items from the three forms of Robert F. Bales' Interpersonal Rating Forms (IRF) was administered to 266 college students to test the reliability and validity of the IRF. The questions asked for self-perceptions about one's roles and behaviors in task groups. The results indicated that the scales are neither…

The purpose of this study, completed with personnel who work in local disaster services, was to obtain data to test Etzioni's model of consensus and effectiveness. The data indicate that both early socialization and communication with elites are associated with consensus formation. Consensus formation and communication have direct and significant…

Presents a collective behavior model for examining the population turnaround (urban to rural migration) of the 1960s/1970s as a specific form of mass movement. Specifies the value-added process that produced this particular episode at this particular point in social history. Explores factors influencing decline in turnaround migration. (Author/MH)

The model for planning groups presented in this paper is an attempt to provide varying levels of organizational leaders with a device to increase planning efficiency and effectiveness. The planning process is highlighted as it might be viewed through the eyes of the individual responsible for completion of the planning task. The major emphasis is…

The effectiveness of the Delphi Technique is evaluated in terms of immediate and delayed controlled information feedback (feedback within 5 seconds as compared with a 24-hour delay); and the relationships that exist among measures of integrative complexity, estimations about the time of occurrence of future events, and time delay between task…