Examined the relationships between interpersonal trust and elements of influence in an ambiguous small-group setting (N=36). Results indicated that trusting another's expertise and being trusted for expertise are the salient variables for having influence in this kind of group setting. (LLL)

In the absence of information to the contrary, an individual tends to assume that members of an out group have values which differ from his own. The effect is even more marked for highly prejudiced persons. In the present paper two experiments are reported which extend the belief similarity hypothesis. (Author)

Describes experiment designed to illustrate the potential of multidimensional scaling (MDS) in illustrating the perceptions of those in a group regarding one another, specifically of coalitions. Participants were 35 students enrolled in a graduate business course. Suggests positive results of the exploratory research show MDS holds promise as an…

Used causal modeling procedures to investigate the relationship between cohesion and productivity in 54 recently formed work groups within the framework of a nine-month longitudinal field study. Results support the central role of group acceptance of organizational goals in determining both productivity and cohesion. (Author/ABL)

Manipulated external status of a target by presenting person as ethnic majority female, ethnic minority male, or ethnic majority male discussing issue with four ethnic majority males. Subjects were college students (N=219). Results were consistent with previous research showing odd person in a group is more salient than other group members. (ABL)

Analyzed group discussions associated with 68 high-quality and 29 low-quality decisions made by comparably informed groups using cross-contact comparison. Found vigilance, second-guessing, and accurate information processing associated with high-quality decisions; faulty information processing and improbable fantasy chains with low-quality…

Discusses observations of a group of boys who formed a study group under direction of a local charismatic rabbi in an Israeli slum. Discusses boys' transistion from delinquent to nondeliquent behavior in terms of reference group theory. Found major attracting factors of group to be warmth and caring with order and discipline. Discusses…

Metaphorical analysis of small group interactions enables researchers and practitioners to isolate, identify, and intervene with the current social reality of the group. This heuristic study offers one view of the specific meaning structures which account for the development of group cohesiveness. (BL)

Examines the nature of development of a self-analytic seminar through stages and its impact on sex-role stereotypes and gender interactions among participants and with the seminar leaders. Explores relationships between feminist thought and psychoanalysis and supports the positive influence on recognition of mutual needs among the sexes.…

Rated selected sessions of two long-term psychotherapy groups (N=143) using Gottschalk-Gleser anxiety and hostility verbal content analysis scales. Found group judged to be clinically more successful demonstrated prolonged periods in various states and that affect dimensions of states were consistent with group developmental stage hypothesis…

Investigated the relationship of group cohesiveness to empathy, self-disclosure, acceptance, and trust, and compared three different groups (personal growth, driving under the influence, psychotherapy), with a total of 65 subjects, on measures of cohesiveness. Found all factors correlated significantly with cohesiveness and with one another.…

Examined the relationship between group processes and group performance and cohesion in task and social groups using college students (N=160) as subjects. Found results supported the conceptual distinction between cohesion and performance and the importance of processes dealing with both the task and group maintenance. (Author/ABL)

Used simulation group approach in teaching social work students (N=6) technical and interpersonal skills. Results showed students found their interpersonal skills complementary to goals and dynamics of situations. Also observed students found learning of technical skills challenging in the context of a simulation group. (ABL)

Examined relationship among amount of conflict experienced, the style of its management, individual satisfaction, and decision quality of small, task-oriented groups using 129 college student subjects in 24 groups. Data suggest a curvilinear relationship between the number of conflict episodes experienced by group members and the subsequent…

The effects of different group processes on team performance is examined using a formative evaluation. A taxonomy of six different decision-making and leadership styles is developed. Cohesion was found to be a significant factor in explaining high performance. (Author/BL)