This document examines the function of social conventions among strangers. Conventions are regularities in behavior, sustained by an interest in coordination and an expectation of cooperation. Such regularities may arise temporarily or fall just as temporarily; they may exist in a particular time or place and may take time to evolve. From the…

A total of 20 five-year-old children were observed in two different preschools to examine conciliatory and subordinate behaviors following conflicts and to determine these behaviors' relationship to subsequent interaction (i.e., separation or peaceful association). Discusses the importance of conciliatory gestures in resolving social tension. (CB)

The behavior of 19 decision-making groups provided the basis for a model of the development of norms in newly formed groups. Data from the decision-making groups are used to illustrate the model, and implications for related research domains are discussed. Appended are 39 references. (MLF)

In her model of opinion formation, Elizabeth Noelle-Neumann postulates a spiral of silence: to avoid isolation, people holding minority views either alter their ideas to conform to the majority's stance or remain silent, thus increasing the impression of the majority view's dominance. While providing a helpful integration of disparate ideas in…

Based on an examination of the organizational features of editing during collaborative computer writing in a combined first and second grade classroom in a Catholic school during the 1985-86 school year, this paper argues that there is a fundamental difference between collaborative and solo computer writing, and that collaboration during computer…

Traditionally, group research has focused on outcome rather than process. In order to provide an efficient means of data collection and analysis in group process, the Automatic Vocal Transaction Analyzer (AVTA) system was developed to generate an objective chronography of conversation vocalizations, pauses, turntaking, switching, and…

Investigates whether children with poor peer relations display developmental lag in their conceptions of friendship. Compares social-cognitive level of understanding, using the Selman theory of interpersonal understanding, in sample of grade 2 versus grade 7 students identified as socially accepted, rejected, or neglected. The latter did not show…

Reports on an action research study by a classroom teacher with 24 12-year-old students to determine whether they can work effectively in cooperative groups without training. Recommends that teachers take time to discover interpersonal relationships and factors in the students' social framework. (CFR)

Maintains that the ways in which students react, absorb, and communicate new information are defined by their perception of the requirements and expectations of their surrounding situation. This information is particularly relevant in designing and implementing school-based drug prevention programs. Provides examples of various situational-based…

Examines the results of 258 undergraduates rating of each others' self-acceptance and acceptance of others. The students had previously participated in 32 small, interpersonal learning groups. They rated each other on subscale items including dominant/submissive, expressive/guarded, and active/passive. Discusses the general trends and differences…