Two-phase testing assesses individual performance (phase 1) and then allows collaborative learning within small groups (phase 2). While groups typically outperform individuals, less is known about the social decision schemes that influence member collaboration. In a classroom setting, we compared individual and group performance on a standard test…

The Women Writing Women Collective was a collegial and collaborative response to the isolation that is often experienced by women scholars as they pursue their academic careers. For 5 years, a group of women gathered on a monthly basis to share their writing. In doing so, the group members provided a sounding board for each other as they engaged…

Groups are ubiquitous in outdoor education and while there is a lot of literature on groups, there is limited examination of the assumptions made about groups and the effects these assumptions have on the practices of outdoor education. I utilise some of Michel Foucault's (1992) tools to investigate literature on outdoor education groups.…

Discusses the definition and origin of the term "groupthink." Examines three studies on groupthink by John Courtright (1978), Matie Flowers (1977), and Philip Tetlock (1979). Concludes none of the three is superior to another but that it can be learned from all three that group decision making is fraught with danger. (ABL)

Heterosexually balanced groups were exposed to encounter-group tapes instructing them to share initmate experiences. Examples of high self-disclosure and openness were presented. Exercises differed only in instructions and accompanying behavioral examples. Results indicated that higher levels of disclosure produced greater group cohesiveness on…

Focuses on the beliefs and understandings of one of the academic tribes, adult/continuing/lifelong education. Considers what this group might have to say and share with another group on management learning. (Author/CCM)

The development of cohesion and attraction-to-group and the role these variables play warrants serious consideration. A first step toward more adequate conceptualization is separation of the concepts, with the former viewed as a group phenomenon and the latter as the individual's identification with the group. (Author)

Investigated the relationship between establishment of pregroup goals and postgroup assessment of progress toward goals. Participants were categorized by selection of goals, with interpersonal-relationship and self-confidence goals determining the category. The progress-toward-goal post-test revealed more progress on top-ranking goals than on…

Presents a study designed to contrast the effects of task-based and interpersonal cohesiveness on group performance of students. Concludes that high task cohesion helped group performance, while interpersonal attraction had no apparent effect. Finding that increased interpersonal cohesion improved task commitment, the authors suggest that…

As result of personal experience, author examines two cultural groups, with Chinese approach leading to group unity and contentment through conformity. Person-centered approach leads to sense of community and sense of freedom coupled with anxiety from being responsible for choosing one's life. (Author/CMG)

Reviews the literature on unidimensional and multidimensional models of cohesion and describes cohesion as a multidimensional construct with primary and secondary dimensions. Found that primary dimensions described the cohesiveness of all or most types of groups, whereas secondary dimensions only described the cohesiveness of specific types of…

Described are the history of three German-heritage groups settled in Pennsylvania: the Solitary of Ephrata Commune, the Amish, and the Harmony Society. Suggested are pastoral, agrarian, and commercial agricultural analogs to life-support strategies of these groups respectively. Faustian agriculture emphasizing the connection of agriculture to…

Examined whether group members differ in the number of in-group subtype distinctions that they draw. Drawing on results of two studies, found that members of groups whose primary function is intragroup interaction (fraternities, sororities, athletic teams) draw more subtype distinctions within their own group than within other groups. (RJM)

Presents results of a study contrasting different forms of group cohesiveness in a student military organization. Reports that task cohesiveness was more strongly associated with lower role uncertainty, higher individual performance, and lower absenteeism than was interpersonal cohesiveness. Concludes that data provide evidence for a…

This article addresses the rapid increase in single father households in the United States. Examines the concerns and counseling needs of single fathers and offers the rationale behind group counseling as a preferred method of treatment for such fathers. Also discussed are components of a psychoeducational group approach. (RJM)