To encourage continuity in group process, audiotape playback was done of a discussion session on the previous group session, by the counselor and a participant. This proved to be a successful technique for involving all group members in the group experience. (CJ)

Results obtained with three methods of measuring three functional roles in initially leaderless small groups were factor analyzed. Results are discussed in terms of role differentiation and on implications of generalizing results obtained through one measurement procedure to those obtained with other procedures. (Author)

Filmed accounts of a weekend encounter group explore the manner in which a group coalesces to the point where people talk about feelings rather than things." A group experience generally leads to a three stage" development in the lives of participants: (1) new openness with everyone; (2) crisis phase resulting from trying to change patterns of…

A scale is developed by employing a form of item analysis called trace line analysis. Statistically significant associations with variables expected to be related to familism support the validity of the scale. (Author)

In a comparison of two systems used for evaluating the skills of medical students in relating to patients, the one utilizing interaction analysis yielded more reliable ratings and seems to have potential as an instructional method. The other system used traditional types of judgments registered on a 10-point continuum. Both systems were used with…

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Builds on previous research with this detailed analysis of multiple decision sequences in two sets of groups: students performing a ranking task and physicians performing a program planning task. Finds support for the Multiple Sequence Descriptive System and isolates types of conflict and idea development patterns. (PD)

Shows that among the qualities of interaction present in peer learning are the negotiation of teaching and collaborative roles, attention-focusing, showing and pointing, and informative messages. (FL)

Analyzes a type of conversational exchange where the participants focus on a given subject or theme contributing personal views to the discussion. Characterizes the relationship among the participants as a "cooperative conflict," examining the internal structure of speech acts and their illocutory functions, particularly the initiatory…

A structured approach to group therapy was added to an alcoholic treatment program previously offering only unstructured insight-oriented groups. Participants in the interpersonal problem-solving group therapy were generally very active in all sessions. Participants reported actively utilizing their learning after leaving the treatment program, a…

Describes a perspective designed to examine the structure, function, and process of interpersonal communication to locate the major sources of problems in particular interactions. States assumptions of the perspective, defines the elements and processes of interpersonal communication, suggests ways to use the framework, and describes current…

Concludes that in the laboratory, participants' conversation behavior is not discernably affected by videotaping, no matter how overt or obvious the taping procedure is. Study focuses on behaviors out of conscious awareness: gestures, head nods, speaking turns, self or object manipulations, and shifts to reclining posture or to forward lean. (PD)

Mothers and fathers of 43 middle-class families were observed interacting separately during a paper-folding task with either their only or middle child in order to assess parental use of evaluation and task-facilitative behaviors with preschoolers. Results indicate that parent behaviors vary with parent gender, child gender, and family…

Written transcripts of spouses' discussions were coded using two different systems. Findings indicate that the results obtained from one coding system cannot easily be compared with results obtained from the other system. Author calls for resolution of differences in coding procedures if relational communication research is to be usefully…

Describes a model for communication training in bargaining and negotiation skills. The model was designed for enforcement officers who collect delinquent taxes but can be adapted for clients in other public and private organizations. (PD)