This study is an initial report in a research program to examine the nature and influence of one set of structural variables--participation patterns--on patterns of interaction in sensitivity training groups. (Author)

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)

This article examines the idea that social norms are not permanently incorporated into a person's personality. The author presents the argument that in a group situation subjects are conditioned toward similarity while afterward, the individual's behavior gradually returns to an "operant level". Tests show this argument to be essentially true.…

This article describes a study done to compare, quantitatively and qualitatively, the problem-solving and decision-making performance of four populations: business administration students, middle managers, elementary school teachers and elementary and secondary school principals. Results show business administration students and middle managers…

The nonverbal touching behavior of strangers in a dyadic interaction was studied to assess the current controversy between encounter group trainers and their critics concerning the use of nonverbal touching exercises to foster interpersonal openness. (Author)

This paper reports on the relationships between group composition, leadership and decisions through a study of small groups engaged in preferential bargaining about problems with open solution sets. The relationships were analyzed and can be compared best against the background of traditional approaches. (Author)

Examines some of the conditions associated with dissolution of the friendship tie. Subjects were 232 boys and girls between the ages of eight and 15 at a summer camp. The hypothesis that reduction in social interaction would be associated with increased probability of dissolution was not conclusively supported. (Author/HMV)

Investigates whether self-disclosure elicits anxiety and subsequent coping attempts in subjects who interact with a direct, open and disclosing communicator. Subjects were 40 male and 40 female college students. Results indicate direct and open communication does elicit some degree of anxiety in the listener. (Author)

The role of feedback in T-groups was studied. Results indicate that feedback increases as T-groups progress, feedback is more emotional and non-evaluative than cognitive in nature, positive and direct feedback to the leaders increases as the group develops, and specific feedback between members increases as groups progress. (SE)

Examines age differences in social interaction. Subjects range in age from five to 20. Results indicate female groups develop towards adult interpersonal behavior styles earlier than male groups. (Author)