Because of their relatively temporary group memberships, age groups represent an intriguing test of theories of intergroup relations. In spite of this unique feature, virtually no research has examined age group relations from an intergroup perspective. The present study investigated the role of two influential intergroup factors, degree of group…

Although some evidence suggests that providing treatment via service coordination teams is related to improved outcomes among youth in a system of care, the aspects of team structure that contribute to treatment effectiveness are not well understood. This study draws on team membership and attendance data to identify and describe the structure of…

This paper describes the support of secondary pupils at risk of school exclusion through a course of group work designed to promote individual responsibility for behaviour. Following self-reflection the young people are encouraged to write their own behavioural targets and consider their progress in working towards them throughout the six-session…

In social studies classes, there is a longstanding interest in how societies evolve and change over time. However, as stories of the past unfold, it is often difficult to identify a direct link between causes and effects, so students are forced to accept at face value the interpretations of economists, political scientists, historians,…

A study examined the effectiveness of an experiential learning exercise in a speech communication classroom setting. Participants were 62 students in communication classrooms in a large southwestern university. The exercise, entitled "The Ace, Incorporated Hanging Tray Company Exercise" was done as a group communication exercise…

This paper indicates that there are two school locations where the principles of quality are at work: on the team practice field and in the band rehearsal hall. Participants in instrumental music and athletics have shown significantly higher scores on achievement tests, higher grade point averages, and lower absenteeism than the rest of the school…

Studying the process of change becomes tricky from a methodological point of view if change has its origin in both the intrapersonal and societal spheres. This paper examines the problems which arise when discussions of change measure only changing means without considering the fact that constructs of change are continually redefined. For example,…

The classic film, "Twelve Angry Men," where a lone dissenting jury member (Henry Fonda) implores his fellow jurors not to make a quick decision in a murder trial, is often cited as a resource for analyzing decision-making processes in groups. The film, used in group-process courses to show how conformity pressures can hamper effective…

Research on gender differences in group performance suggests that males excel at brainstorming while females excel at human relations and integration. To investigate the relations among gender, interaction style, and task performance, 264 college students (130 female, 134 male) worked in three person same sex groups on a production task which…

The role of feedback in T-groups was studied. Results indicate that feedback increases as T-groups progress, feedback is more emotional and non-evaluative than cognitive in nature, positive and direct feedback to the leaders increases as the group develops, and specific feedback between members increases as groups progress. (SE)

Examines the function of conflict in the process of achieving group consensus. Available from: Human Communication Research, Robert L. Cox, Executive Secretary, International Communication Association, Box 8563 University Station, Austin, Texas 78712. Telephone: 512-471-4821. Subscription Rates: institutional or non-members, $15.00 per year;…

From his own experience as a group facilitator, the author offers helpful tips to trainers on what to do in 12 problem situations in the classroom. (AJ)

The relationship between cognitive style (field independence/field dependence), proctor/student interactions, and achievement of undergraduate students in a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) course was studied. Field dependence/independence was measured using the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT), which measures ability to identify a…

To assess whether communication behaviors differ between high and low consensus groups, a study considered the comparative interaction of the first meetings of high and low consensus groups, the first and final meetings of high consensus groups, and the first and final meetings of low consensus groups. Subjects, 84 students in a small group…

There are Hispanics who reject their ethnicity. This process may be obvious or it may be subtle. The rationale for this behavior is that by rejecting "Hispanidad" and adapting linguistic styles, dressing habits, and other behavior patterns they become Americans, the more acceptable mainstream group. An Hispanic person does not need to stop being…