Presents an exploratory taxonomy of small group interaction-coding systems. Six dimensions that characterize interaction-coding schemes are presented in a hierarchical order ranging from abstract conceptual issues to specific methodological ones. These dimensions are: philosophical perspective, conceptual and operational focus, observer inference,…

The Levels of Verbal Intimacy Technique (LOVIT) was developed as an observational system to document verbal interaction in groups. Although rating-scale data produced information confirming order and interval spacing of six categories derived from theoretical assumptions about developmental processes in T-groups, more investigation is needed about…

Explores the effectiveness of leader interventions in breaking down resistance in a therapy group for battered women (N=6). Session records were analyzed. Results indicated that therapists' statements had a direct influence on client responses. Concluded that a moderate level of interpretation is most effective for maintaining minimum resistance…

Developed a theory regarding the interactive and contextual properties of signs and showed how it might be applied in analyzing imagery from face-to-face communication in a self-analytic group. Proposed that such imagery develops a code that is amenable to structural analytic techniques. (Author/JAC)

College students (N=18) participating in personal growth groups completed questionnaires about consistency, consensus, and distinctivenesses of feedback received from the group. Findings argue that consensus is an important variable in determining whether feedback is accepted and in channeling attributions of reasons for why particular feedback is…

Tested several hypotheses relating to a theory incorporating distinctive characteristics of interdisciplinary task groups. Observed an interdisciplinary task team for 28 weekly meetings. Recorded seating and major interactions of participants. Presents guidelines for the conduct of interdisciplinary groups. (RC)

This article describes the Minnesota Couples Communication Program which offers a structured educational experience directed toward equipping couples with skills for (1) heightening awareness of self and self's contributions to interaction, (2) effectively expressing self-awareness, (3) accurately understanding partner's communications, and (4)…

The author describes a course on interpersonal communication training. Training is conducted through structured group experiences during which members evaluate their habitual communication patterns and/or practice new and potentially more useful ways of interacting. Several group interaction procedures are described to achieve the above…

The four papers presented here include a study of group communication process among college students, a developmental analysis of social interaction, an analysis of environmental impact on interaction, and a methodological discussion of ways of studying interaction. These papers are followed by series of three discussion papers. (PS)

Investigates seven task-oriented groups which examine consistency of social choice across a range of behavioral criteria (friendship, leadership, followship, and evaluation criteria of social interaction). Results suggest that some criteria of interpersonal relations are interdependent: acceptance and rejection choices are not opposite ends of…

Examined the interaction patterns of adult creative problem solvers within small, leaderless groups. Presented divergent thinking problems to two groups and categorized their discussions. Results indicated the creative person plays a central role in determining task-oriented directions by initiating and receiving more orienting behaviors. (RC)

The author describes a technique used in encounter groups, called query, which is action oriented and aims at promoting the self insight of group members. Asking questions of one another and role playing are two major aspects of the technique described. (SE)