The purposes of this paper are to note specific weaknesses characterizing small group research and to propose suggestions for their solution. Adapted from a speech given at the Second National Conference about the Teaching of Group: Theory and Practice, Temple University, Philadelphia, February 1976. (Author)

Describes a positive method of studying children which gives insight into the differences between "privileged" and "underprivileged", and makes possible analysis of the development of a logical concept (number). Preschool children were observed as they interacted in a controlled group situation. (ED)

In a study to seek an alternative methodological approach to collective bargaining research, an interaction model based upon a systems approach to small group communication was used to observe, record, and quantify the communication behavior of teacher/school board negotiators. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether the interaction…

A great need exists for increased attention to standards of rigor in collecting sequential interaction data. As in any other research strategy, powerful statistics are not sufficient to organize data meaningfully. A knowledge of individuals, their relational histories, and communication are all necessary to insure proper conclusions about the…

Examines the hypothesis that attractive individuals should be more successful with opposite-sex peers but less successful with same-sex peers than unattractive individuals. Also investigates the influence strategies employed by persons differing in attractiveness since nothing is currently known about the actual behavior exhibited by attractive…

This literature review is a supplement to an earlier , extensive review by the author. It shows the increase in laboratory training methods and programs. The studies reviewed are classified as follows: methodology of evaluation, theory development, kinds of learning, factors influencing learning, participant characteristics, and laboratory…

During the 60's, systems for the observation of classroom behavior have become an important area of educational research. Many new systems have been devised both for the evaluation of teaching techniques and for basic research into teaching processes. In the development of such systems the investigator must determine what behaviors are to be…

The practice of interviewing individuals rather than groups has been based largely upon methodological concerns for preventing contamination of data. The assumptions that (1) the data provided by individuals can, in aggregate, yield social truth; (2) individuals are conscious of social phenomena; and (3) the whole of social reality is equal to the…