We offer a new conceptualization and measurement models for constructs at the group-level of analysis in small group research. The conceptualization starts with classical notions of group behavior proposed by Tönnies, Simmel, and Weber and then draws upon plural subject theory by philosophers Gilbert and Tuomela to frame a new perspective…

Sex acts as a "diffuse status" characteristic in mixed-sex task groups and leads to the exertion of less influence by females than by males. Three techniques for changing expectations are compared. (Author/AM)

Recipients of help often show less liking for their helpers than for others who do not provide help, presumably because the recipient is left with feelings of lowered self-esteem and unfulfilled indebtedness to the donor. Three-person interracial teams were presented with a series of problems in the course of managing a simulated business. One was…

An analysis of the American agriculture movement begun in 1977 provides insight into group behavior, mobilization, and activation. Leaders who had recruited participants and organized local and state activities were interviewed. Problems of organizing, specifically when protest is involved, are also discussed. (KC)

Defines "identity deployment" as a form of strategic collective action and asks under what political conditions are identities that celebrate or suppress differences deployed. Compares strategies used by lesbian and gay rights campaigns; shows that interaction among social movement organizations, state actors, and opposition movements…

Fifteen "criminal" and political uprisings from inmate movements in American, Soviet, and German prisons are compared. Conditions of deprivation related to prison violence are linked with attitudinal, structural, and temporal factors. Findings are that inmate movements are a rare phenomenon in comparison with isolated prison uprisings. (KC)

Presents a study designed to contrast the effects of task-based and interpersonal cohesiveness on group performance of students. Concludes that high task cohesion helped group performance, while interpersonal attraction had no apparent effect. Finding that increased interpersonal cohesion improved task commitment, the authors suggest that…

The Follower Maturity Index (FMI) is an instrument derived from leadership theory and based on observations of verbal and nonverbal behavior of followers in task groups. Dimensions of follower maturity--achievement, responsibility, experience, activity, dependence, variety, interests, perspective, position, and awareness--are discussed. For…

Discusses basic weaknesses and limitations of models, simulations, gaming, and other analytical and behavioral approaches to simplifying reality for understanding. The development and use of scenarios and the model builder's basic conceptions of the aspects of reality being analyzed are described for a one-person, computer-interactive, quasi-rigid…

Some of the major contingency theories of leadership are reviewed; some results from the author's study of Fiedler's contingency model are reported; and some thoughts for the future of leadership research are provided. (Author/MLF)

This booklet, the first in a series, reports the results of a year-long research project conducted in an experimental school associated with the Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh. Using a variety of techniques drawn from anthropology and psychology, the investigator elicited a cognitive map of school activities…

Examines trends in the use of androgynous names, investigating data for all white births in Illinois from 1916-1989. States that there are two plausible expectations about their growth: (1) the rise of feminist movement suggests that androgynous names would increase; and (2) cross-cultural research indicates that first names frequently designate…

Describes a modified values auction simulation game, reports on three levels of analysis employing actual classroom data (group, subgroup, and individual), and offers suggestions for utilizing values data in social research. (CMV)

Examines institutionalization and marginalization in the context of the history of education. Contends marginality is a fluctuating concept. Introduces the concept of an intermediary zone between marginality and normal life defined as the area of fragile existence. Argues that studying the history of marginality can help researchers investigate…

Interviews students who were involved with the 1989 Beijing student movement. Finds that the spatial concentration of students on Beijing university campuses nurtured many close-knit social networks and exposed students to environmental influences promoting social action; these conditions helped sustain the student movement and guided its choice…