Study sought (1) to manipulate communication quality in problem-solving groups, (2) to determine whether groups actually experienced communication of varying quality, and (3) to determine whether groups experiencing high quality communication produced a high quality product.'' (Author)

The verbal behavior of two groups of nine tenth-grade boys who met for eight sessions in an unstructured group discussion was studied. Verbal behavior was encoded using a modified version of Bales' interaction process analysis. (Author/BJG)

Suggests how to get classes to interact and participate in an experience together through the use of an Exploration Grid. (RB)

Describes four phases through which small groups' discussions pass in the decision-making process. (RD)

Examined effects of a structured learning time interval (SLTI) in growth groups on member self-esteem, perceived level of group interaction, and verbal participation in 81 undergraduate college students. Found use of SLTI had no significant effect on self-esteem, perceived interaction, or verbal participation. (Author/ABL)

Relates a study designed to measure the extent to which trust-destroying communication affects verbal fluency of members in small group discussions. (MH)

This paper describes a study which was carried out to examine the intra-group verbal behavior of "person-oriented" and "non-person-oriented" individuals. Extrapolating from conceptual systems theory, it was expected that the "person-oriented" (conceptually abstract) individuals would deal with different referents,…

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health grant MH-08274.

This study suggests female and male verbal behavior should be viewed separately when analysing task-importance. Ego-involvement works with task importance to create atmospheres of maximum involvement. Characteristics of communication and group pressure for uniformity are identified. (MFD)

Investigated the effects of reinforcement with differing therapist styles upon affective verbalizations in undergraduate students (N=72). Results showed that the presence of facilitators and the provision of feedback enhanced the expression of affective and empathic verbalizations and that the direct question process interacted in an additive…

Compares the communication patterns of individuals in racially homogenous groups to their communication in racially heterogeneous groups. Asserts that both Black women and White women exhibit different patterns of interaction when communicating in racially homogenous groups. (SR)

Managing the psychological depth of responses to adventure activities calls for the leader to attend to own language and language of group participants. Describes eight levels of psychological depth occurring during group discussion and interaction. Addresses the need to stay at or above the agreed-upon level and avoid moving into psychotherapy.…

This guide presents a two phase program for teaching communication skills in the elementary grades. The first phase focuses on teaching the conditions that constitute an effective group and the communications skills necessary for effective group relationships. Definitions of terms are presented to teachers as well as suggestions for teaching and…

Prevailing criticism of communication research in and out of university speech departments is justified and means that the quality of research must be improved. The last three years of speech communication research has not been noteworthy, dramatic, or significant. An initial remedial step might be the development of good, relevant, and sound…

An experiment was performed in which 155 undergraduate student subjects were provided with information about a stimulus person whose behavioral consistency varied on several issues. The study assumed that if the individual's behavior on the relevant topic was consistent, then behavior on the other issues should have no impact on persuasiveness,…