The opening session of a group presents special problems for the group leader. Focuses on structured activities which can serve to reduce these early negative reactions and promote feelings of security, identity, and belongingness in the group members. (Author)

Discusses the distinguishing characteristics of charrettes: (1) group involvement, (2) development of a product, (3) time limitations, and (4) commitment to reaching consensus. Outlines the responsibilities of charrette and group leaders. Warns of resistance to the charrette process and identifies cases where a charrette is used effectively. (AYC)

Explored speaking-order and talking-time structures in dyads and triads to determine if these modes of paralanguage were hierarchial and used consistently in various settings. Findings indicated that paralanguage hierarchies emerged and that speaking-order and talking-time ranks correlated between groups. (Author)

A field study of a naturally functioning group (N=125) was conducted to identify common group problems. Trained observers attended group meetings and described the problems encountered. Difficulties of cohesion, leadership, sub-group formation, and personality conflict were identified. (RC)

One conclusion of this study was that moderately to mildly retarded residents engaged in social types of behavior (primarily when in dyads) and neutral types of behavior when alone. In contrast, profoundly retarded residents did not behave differently when others were present, although they did display social types of behavior. (DLS)

This experiential learning activity highlights the perceptual processes that transpire between two interactants. Participants attempt to match other participants with their prime concern when interacting with someone socially for the first time. Illustrative data from a sample game are presented and discussed. (Author)

The Challenge Process is a problem-solving strategy for groups of four to six participants to assist group counseling clients in translating self-understanding into appropriate behavioral changes. This three-step process (challenge, brainstorming suggestions, and contract) is described and illustrated with examples from a "Stress and the…

Understanding rhythms of different groups enables group leaders to attune leadership to the specific goals of each group. Rhythms are recognized in variations of action, assessment, and assimilations. Rhythm models of groups for personal growth, therapy, and training, and theoretical concepts and dynamics of each group type are discussed. (Author)

Examines the potential for augmenting women's influence in male-dominated groups by increasing women's internal status (demonstrated competence). Suggests the use of internal status variables to alter patterns of interaction between men and women in decision-making contexts. (JMF)

Discusses the New Games movement which promotes a series of innovative creative group games for children and offers a list of games and directions on how to play them. The games provide an unstructured, cooperative alternative to the structured, competitive games traditionally played by young children. (CM)

The Levels of Verbal Intimacy Technique (LOVIT) is an instrument for the analysis of verbal statements along a continuum from most intimate to least intimate. It enables an observer to place all verbal statements in one of 10 categories along this intimacy continuum. The technique has been used in research. (Author)

Presents support for the conclusion that an equity expectation exists among workers vis-a-vis their supervisor's communicative behavior toward them. Three communicative variables were manipulated simultaneously to create clearly different relationships between control and experimental groups, and perceived inequity and its effects were measured.…

To develop trust, group cohesion, and teamwork, the members of the Sheridan School Board of Trustees participated in a forest survival exercise. (SJL)

Describes group education program for adoptive parents developed by a social service agency. The program aims at assuaging the fears raised in adoptive parents by the controversy over sealed records and the adoptee's search for biological parents. (CM)

Investigates the effect of cooperative learning environments on conformity among 190 boys in the third and fourth grades. Findings support the view that qualitative asspects of the experience children have with peers influences children's likelihood of conforming. The more positive the experience, the more likely children are to conform. (RH)