Community-based courses, driven by connectivist learning theory, provide learners with a social environment that supports collaborative problem solving (CPS). The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of potential collaborators before they engage in CPS. This study analyzed a community-based course, a cMOOC with a total of…

Investigated the accuracy with which subjects of different ages can encode several kinds of cues commonly found in social interactions. Mean ages for the four groups of subjects were 5.5, 7.4, 9.5 and 20.5 years. (Author/SDH)

Analyzed 10 interaction dimensions of group behavior and three emotional atmosphere categories among old and young participants in 12 "support-discussion" groups. Results showed significant differences with respect to frequencies of boundary, self-disclosure, and support behaviors. In addition, the young showed signs of boredom more frequently.…

Examines the quality of communicative interaction and task performance among younger and older women in relation to conversation distance and density. Results indicate that older persons exhibit positive communication behaviors in response to spatial intrusions while younger subjects show the negative, compensatory withdrawal behaviors normally…

Anticipated counseling behaviors of college students and their preferences for counselors of both sexes and four different age groups were explored in a hypothetical counselor study. Results indicate students anticipated that their verbal interactions with the counselors would be influenced by the combined effects of counselor sex and age. (Author)