Includes brief descriptions of laboratory products completed or under development. (RT)

Research supported in part by U.S.P.H.S. General Research Support grant 1-501-FR-5432-04, Graduate Psychiatry Training grant 3-TI-MH 5557-17-81; and by Children's Bureau Handicapped Child Research grant 11-4637.

Investigates the impact of interpersonal relationships on decision-making success in small groups using a business simulation game as a research vehicle. The study concludes that group decision making may be unfavorably affected by personality conflicts. (Author/JJD)

Three related studies clarify and extend the meaning of interaction involvement: (1) examines the factor structure of the Interaction Involvement Scale; (2) reports a correlation of analysis of newly interpreted involvement factors, including neuroticism, extraversion, communication competence, etc.; and (3) reports initial findings of the…

The use of research results concerning interactive behaviors of hearing impaired infants by teachers, clinicians, and others who visit and observe hearing impaired children and their parents at home is discussed. Specific suggestions are presented for how these observations can be achieved and used in developing and maintaining social…

Focuses on personality as a predispositional factor which is predictive of the direction of both persuasive argumentation by group members and, subsequently, decision shifting. Tends to validate the value theory of polarization by showing that persuasive argumentation can mediate the effect of personality on decisional shifting. (PD)

Found that of five "task-achievement functions" examined, two serve as accurate predictors of group problem-solving effectiveness. Specifically, found that (1) a negative relationship exists between group effectiveness and attempts to "establish operating procedures"; and (2) a positive relationship exists between group…

Studies the sequence of phases in group decision making. Compares the unitary sequence model, which assumes that all groups follow the same sequence of phases, and the multiple sequence model, which assumes that different groups follow different sequences. Results support the latter model and suggest revisions in current decision development. (PD)

Eighteen low-income, socially isolated mother-child dyads were referred for psychological help because of the children's oppositional behaviors and the mothers' aversive reactions to the children. Findings were taken to suggest that a mother's extrafamily social contacts may influence her child interaction patterns at home. (Author)

Examines the quality of communicative interaction and task performance among younger and older women in relation to conversation distance and density. Results indicate that older persons exhibit positive communication behaviors in response to spatial intrusions while younger subjects show the negative, compensatory withdrawal behaviors normally…