A classificatory model of collective behavior based upon perceptual dimensions was proposed. The four major dimensions found to underlie a domain of collective phenomena were identified as: (a) Violence, (b) Amorphous-Focused, (c) Anomie, and (d) Ideology. Potentially predictive aspects of the system were examined briefly. (Author)

Describes the use of the Pattern Variable Coding Method for classifying communication themes found in small groups. (MH)

Presents study results examining social pressure within sexually homogenous groups. Explains that cohesiveness, based on common beliefs, was established in half of the sample while prevented in the remainder. Reports that groups were required to reach consensus after conflict was introduced. Concludes that low cohesion groups showed the greatest…

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

Discusses a study designed to determine the influences of reticent members on group interaction. (MH)

Defines interpersonal communicative behavior as behavior serving to increase immediate feelings of satisfaction, and investigates the relationships between this behavior and self-concepts. (MH)

Examines the function of conflict in the process of achieving group consensus. Available from: Human Communication Research, Robert L. Cox, Executive Secretary, International Communication Association, Box 8563 University Station, Austin, Texas 78712. Telephone: 512-471-4821. Subscription Rates: institutional or non-members, $15.00 per year;…

The purpose of this study was to develop an empirical framework to help conceptualize the process and outcome of negotiation. Specifically, the hypothesis tested was that prenegotiation expectations, the use of power strategies, and individual personality traits will, in combination, predict the outcome of negotiation proceedings. A test of the…

After 177 college students in 49 groups participated in group tasks, their perceptions of those groups and individuals in the groups were analyzed for gender differences. In the discriminant analysis of the three interpretable factors for perception of groups (group cohesiveness, power, and personality), gender was a predictor of an individual's…

Four coorientation variables--congruency, accuracy, agreement, and feelings of being understood--were examined after each of 15 meetings of a discussion group composed of 12 graduate students in education. It was hypothesized that group members' accuracy and agreement regarding salient group issues would increase over time, and that congruency and…

A model of the generation of initial trusting attitudes toward groups by individuals who were not members of those groups was developed from the literature on interpersonal trust. The model proposed that perceptions of situational threat would be preconditions to the saliency of trust as a concept. Given that trust was a salient concept, the model…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive abstractness levels, interpersonal perception abilities, and task type (factual or social problem solving) on group performance as measured by time consumed and adequacy of solutions. Eighteen college classes from Kearney State College participated in testing of perceptual…

The document describes a field study to investigate the relationship between altruism and blood donating behavior among members of a large midwestern college community. Altruistic behavior is interpreted as combining three motivations: (1) reward-cost, also referred to in terms of behavior as social exchange; (2) social responsibility and…