The purpose of this essay is to propose a different explanation of collective behavior and also to hypothesize how communication functions in this process. Using the experimental finding known as the "risky shift," this essay (1) summarizes the history of the risky shift, (2) presents two different theories which have been proposed to…

The question whether individual study of risk problems (familiarization) leads to greater risk taking was investigated. Several explanations of the risk taking shifts are explicit in their requirement for group or social interaction. Investigations of whether risk shifts can be produced in the absence of group interaction have produced conflicting…

Student activities programs are usually dependent on teams of students and advisers. Theory, potential outcomes, basic steps, and resources for team-building are introduced, and improving output potential, basic steps in team-building, and giving and receiving feedback are discussed. (MLW)

Written for petty officers and chief petty officers, this training manual and nonresident career course is designed for individual study in leadership techniques and styles, effects of stress and conflict on human behavior, interpersonal communication, human behavior and motivation, and basic theories of teaching and learning. Divided into eleven…

This report describes the links between group relations training, process consultancy, and psychoanalysis and relates these to the kinds of training which may be needed to develop consultation programs within an institution, specifically the Open University (OU) in England. A list of recommended readings and institutions which may provide training…

Interaction theory has not been applied to interpersonal communication because the Western scientific model requires that variables be consciously apparent. A simple model of sending and receiving is not adequate to explain the complex nature of human communication, however. The dyadic pattern of interrelationship may be expanded to reflect the…

This study examined the effects of high and low communication inhibition on small group interaction. Communication inhibition was identified in terms of a scale developed through the factor analysis of the Personal Report of Confidence as a Speaker--Short Form, the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension--College, and Unwillingness to…

Only a few general principles are provided as a foundation for an effective program. However, what is new is the emphasis on human groups as a basis for organizing a single social studies discipline. Some questions are suggested concerning what should be investigated about groups, and what the students need to understand. 1) What causes human…

The 21 summaries of research programs, funded by the United States Army Research Institute (ARI) for the Behavioral and Social Sciences which are presented are grouped in five broad topic areas: computer-based systems; information processing; learning, memory and transfer; human relations; and related issues and trends. Papers presented include:…