Presents problems associated with process analysis with a specific focus on definitional and methodological concerns. Discusses the need for a comprehensive system that will help researchers to separate and comprehend the individual parts of a group and their relationship to the whole group. (Author/LLL)

The four papers presented here include a study of group communication process among college students, a developmental analysis of social interaction, an analysis of environmental impact on interaction, and a methodological discussion of ways of studying interaction. These papers are followed by series of three discussion papers. (PS)

This paper analyzes development of group structure in terms of the stimulus-sampling perspective. Learning is the continual sampling of possibilities, with those reinforced possibilities increasing in probability of occurance. This contingency learning approach is tested experimentally. (NG)

Sees introduction of specific structures and exercises in psychotherapy group as directly controlling course of events and affecting members' perceptions of the group and leader. Asserts that exercises must highlight, rather than bypass, existing group processes. Presents five-step model for preparing, working with, processing, generalizing, and…

Two social psychological theories--similarity theory and equity theory--are employed to elucidate the relationship between group members' abilities and group performance on tasks involving high levels of interdependence. Contrasting hypotheses are drawn regarding specific ability compositions that should evoke performance above or below the simple…

The questions of the value of structure in groups and the value of experience in group leadership merge when the two areas of conflict are considered together. The present study was concerned with effects of an interpersonal growth contract and of leader experience on encounter group process and outcome. (Author)