The heretofore implicit model underlying SIMSOC is made explicit through a comparison of the 1978 and 1972 versions of the simulation game. The more sophisticated 1978 game edition contains improvements over the earlier edition in the options for personal goals. (CMV)

Explores the potential usefulness of R.F. Bales' systematic method for the multiple level observation of groups (SYMLOG) by testing the predictive capability of the three SYMLOG dimensions and the amount of member dispersion on each dimension with the amounts of conflict, reported satisfaction, styles of conflict management, and quality of…

Franklin and Marshall College and Gustavus Adolphus College have withdrawn recognition of their fraternities and sororities, and Bowdoin College has proposed a wide-ranging reform of its Greek system. These actions came in response to a deterioration of behavior by members of the Greek organizations. (MLW)

Describes experiment designed to illustrate the potential of multidimensional scaling (MDS) in illustrating the perceptions of those in a group regarding one another, specifically of coalitions. Participants were 35 students enrolled in a graduate business course. Suggests positive results of the exploratory research show MDS holds promise as an…

Presents the collective thoughts of a group of faculty in a university school of nursing regarding the rites of passage for junior faculty. Examines the process of socialization into academic nursing as well as the theory of oppression. (JOW)

Suggests that open interaction is exquisitely controlled social behavior, and groups employing it possess an impressive potential for social influence. These misrepresentations of the power of the activity and the group leader constitute a kind of mystification by the practitioner of himself or herself and his or her clientele. (Author/BL)

A computer program is described which provides comprehensive information on test profile differences among independent groups based upon profile centroid separation, shape, elevation, and scatter. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate measures of strength of association, test of homogeneity of covariance matrices, and comparative…

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)

Examines two theories of collective action, individualist and socialist, to see how well each explains the apparent inability of Americans to pursue social ideals through education. Bull concludes that neither theory adequately explains collective behavior within educational institutions. (AM)

Maintains that coalitions form as a function of the popularity of an individual and the reciprocation between individuals. An algorithm is introduced, incorporating both popularity and reciprocation components, to generate units of analysis for coalition identification. The algorithm reflects aspects of the whole group and intensity of dyads.…

Argues that the development of a rhetorical theory for social movements is a lost cause. Examines two questions: (1) how movements differ from other forms of collective behavior, and (2) whether these differences create rhetorical differences. (PD)

The effects of group problem-solving methods and problem-situation complexity on attempts at implementing group solutions were investigated in a laboratory field setting. Structure in group decision-making processes led to increased rates of implementation attempts at all levels of problem-situation complexity. (Author/IRT)

Presents suggestions to handle children during an interpretive program and use their presence to enhance the program. Suggestions include make children feel they are part of the group, learn names, let them know who's the boss, use hands-on activities, let them help, focus their attention, include everyone, and give positive feedback. (JRH)

Through the use of a culinary metaphor, the authors depict common problems that can occur when process is overlooked in group settings. The metaphor offers "food for thought" for helping leaders achieve a balance between process and content in effective group work. (Author)

Individualism-collectivism theory predicted that Egyptian and Canadian children's performance would differ on relevant scales of the Robert Apperception Test for Children (RATC). Findings validated cross-cultural use of the RATC and demonstrated that the increasingly general theory of collectivism allowed meaningful predictions about personality…