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)

This study represents one effort to systematically examine concrete instances in well-defined settings, with some knowledge of the variables involved--the input as well as the feedback and the output of the encounter groups. (Author/KMG)

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…

Members of two types of self-help groups assessed the occurence of various helping processes in their groups. Found self-help groups emphasized supportive and expressive processes while avoiding confrontive processes; and behavioral techniques were used more frequently by behavioral control groups than by stress coping groups. (RC)

Two well-known theories are empirically tested in relation to a self-analytic group; in addition, their generalizability to a similar sort of group, a therapy group, is explored. The theories explored are those of Schutz and Slater. (Author)

Tests the hypothesis that cognitive-experiential pretraining is beneficial in promoting openness and honesty among members of a psychotherapy group. The hypothesis is supported. (HMV)

Tests the hypothesis that if direct small group experience was shown to be relatively more effective than vicarious experience in heightening attraction, then a significant assumption of T-group theory would receive support. Results support the hypothesis. (Author)

Compares the relative effectiveness of facilitator-directed (FD) and self-directed (SD) programmed treatments on the same participants. The programmed treatments were tested for their capacity to induce change in the quality of group member verbal interaction, and for their differential semantic meaning. Results are inconclusive. (Author/HMV)

Explores the reactions of single persons and small groups-each in a room they had territorialized- and to compare these against the reactions of singles and small groups who were in a comparable room which they had not territorialized. (Author)

Outpatient subjects made more subtle discriminations between the curative factors in the group psychotherapy process. Day treatment subjects were unable to discriminate between many of the factors but were able to identify group cohesiveness as the most helpful curative factor. (JAC)

Presents a conceptual model that relates the range of types of experiential groups to their potential learning outcome. Attempts to relate group process and likely skill acquisition through participation in the group process. Tested model by considering applicability to a range of group learning processes. (RC)

Investigated the effects of nonverbal warm-up exercises on group effectiveness as compared to a group using verbal warm-up exercises. Results support the hypothesis that nonverbal warm-up exercises add to the effectiveness of the group counseling process. (RC)

The purpose of this investigation is to compare the descriptions of group process obtained from the Hill Interaction Matrix (Form G) and the Bonney Scale in rating an extended counseling group of psychiatric residents (N = 10). (Author)

Investigates the amount of structure furnished by the leader in the group experience over a nine-week period and its effects on measures of self-concept and self-actualization. (Author)

Determined effects of different leader verbal styles on group members. Results indicated leader verbal style is a factor influencing communication style of members and that it affects members' perceptions of leader orientation; however, it does not affect members' satisfaction with leaders, nor the self-concept of group members. (Author/RC)