A symbolic interactionist approach to evaluation views the evaluator as an observer of group behavior in which individual action aligns with collective action. The evaluator attempts to discover what is actually going on in the program being evaluated. Though the interactionist approach frees the program manager from having to articulate goals, it…

The effects of seating distance and orientation on small-group behavior were investigated in male and female four-person groups. The nonfacing orientation produced more frequent self-manipulative behaviors and postural adjustments and longer pauses than the facing orientation. Processes underlying orientation effects and their potential…

Examined assertive bids of elementary school children engaged in a cooperative task. Results from kindergarten and grade one participants support previous research regarding greater male assertiveness and attempts to influence other boys. By grade three, girls' overall assertiveness equaled that of boys. (Author/DB)

In comparing educated, adjusted male homosexuals to educated, adjusted heterosexuals, no differences were found between the groups using the traditional index of homosexuality on the Rorschach. Results suggest the traditional index is not valid and should not be used in clinical settings as a measure to assess homosexuality. (Author)

Tests the hypothesis that cognitive-experiential pretraining is beneficial in promoting openness and honesty among members of a psychotherapy group. The hypothesis is supported. (HMV)

Examines trends in the use of androgynous names, investigating data for all white births in Illinois from 1916-1989. States that there are two plausible expectations about their growth: (1) the rise of feminist movement suggests that androgynous names would increase; and (2) cross-cultural research indicates that first names frequently designate…

The evolution of Project Adventure's Full Value Contract from its original No Discount format is described. Although wording varies among groups, all versions ask the group to create safe and respectful behavioral norms under which it will operate, to commit to those norms, and to accept a shared responsibility for their maintenance. (TD)

Describes a study of students, teachers, and staff at one Brewer, Maine, elementary school. The purpose was to see whether benefits attributed to sense of community and belonging were present and, if so, what role Community of Caring played in creating such an environment. (Contains 1 figure and 16 references.) (AUTHOR)

Revised Thelen's (1954) Group Emotionality Rating System, developing new criteria and assessment procedures. A reliability study of 4,343 verbal statements from 6 different Norwegian groups revealed an overall agreement of .77, with the emotionality subcategories ranging from .57 to .67. Discusses validity of the emotionality categories according…

Compares the communication patterns of individuals in racially homogenous groups to their communication in racially heterogeneous groups. Asserts that both Black women and White women exhibit different patterns of interaction when communicating in racially homogenous groups. (SR)

Differences were investigated between communication behaviors of small groups trained or not trained in creative problem-solving. The 110 members of groups trained in problem solving participated more, criticized ideas less, supported ideas more, exhibited more verbal and nonverbal indications of humor, and produced more ideas than the 90…

Describes a sixth-grade teacher's experiences in managing a student-centered classroom. The author describes her planning, the way in which she managed her initial disappointments and what she learned from them, and her ultimate success. (RJC)

Program staffs working with emotionally disturbed students must be aware of their negative collective reactions to students with whom they experience little progress. This collective process can occur even though individual staff-student interactions avoid conflict cycles. To fight these negative reactions, verbalization of frustrations and…

Three types of conduct disorder behavior are described: group, solitary aggressive, and undifferentiated. Behaviors exhibited by the solitary aggressive youth who operates alone are characterized by violence, acting out, and refusing direction. This behavior type is regarded as particularly problematic for teachers. (JW)

Explores challenges faced by caregivers working with school-age children. Suggests guidance techniques based on understanding of children's emotional, social, physical, and intellectual characteristics. Focuses on appropriate use of environment, group management and problem solving, and development of self-discipline. (BAC)