The relationships among students and group characteristics, group interaction, and achievement in cooperative small groups were investigated. Three categories of interaction were related to achievement: receiving no explanation in response to a question or error was negatively related to achievement; giving explanations and receiving explanations…

Persistent problems in managing research scientists are discussed: lack of preparation for group work, a tradition of lack of trained management, conflict between management and scientific objectives, performance evaluation, and administrative structure. (MSE)

Presents a series of five principles which facilitate the completion of performance analysis and the implementation of solutions to organizational problems. The effectiveness of the principles is demonstrated through an account of a project in which lack of control over operating room inventory in a hospital was analyzed and remedied. (JL)

Focuses on small groups in work organizations, sources of stress, and available social support systems in five articles. Includes a methodological paper on measuring social support in work groups. Analyzes the complexity of coping strategies, and the relationship of occupational and life stressors to each other and the family. (KMF)

Supports the hypothesis that interaction processes connected with the Valence Distribution Model mediated the effect of decision schemes on group decisions. Substantiates the assumptions that interaction is a crucial factor in group decision making. Although input conditions may also have an impact on decision outcomes, they are mediated by…

Describes intensive multiple family group therapy which combines the advantages of group therapy with those of time-limited, goal-oriented approaches. Using the Redecision Family Therapy model further refines the technique by integrating the seemingly disparate methods of intra- psychic and systemic therapy. (Author)

Used multiple groups (N=9) and multiple counselors (N=9) to study correlates of effectiveness in group counseling. Results indicated that both counselor and group composition variables related significantly to member interaction, to how much they valued the group, and to changes in member self-images. (RC)

Describes an experimental group in which college students were encouraged to explore their processes of identity formation. Group activities included role-playing, data gathering from families of origin, interpersonal feedback, and group discussion. In addition, members kept diaries and wrote short reviews of books. (RC)

Offers some insight and understanding of the stress-producing components of counseling practice. Discusses some of the physical symptoms of burnout and examines why the syndrome is prevalent in the human services. Proposes the development of mutual aid groups as one solution to prevent or minimize burnout. (Author/RC)

The University Seminars at Columbia University demonstrate how faculty members can enrich their intellectual lives through contact with colleagues from other fields and institutions and with nonacademic researchers. The development of the program at Columbia and similar programs at other institutions are described. (MLW)

Investigated the effects of valence, session of delivery, and order of delivery on receiver ratings of feedback credibility. Collected data from personal growth groups. Positive feedback was readily accepted. Negative feedback was significantly more accepted when received in later sessions, and when preceded by positive feedback. (Author)

Viability of Black, middle-class kinship groups is attributed to letter writing, personal contact, telephoning, mutual help, and ritual. Kin knowledge and interaction is reported to vary according to socioeconomic status and sex. Kin relations are said to be female-dominated and family reunions male-dominated. (JCD)

Presents a conceptual model that relates the range of types of experiential groups to their potential learning outcome. Attempts to relate group process and likely skill acquisition through participation in the group process. Tested model by considering applicability to a range of group learning processes. (RC)

Describes a group for couples deciding whether or not to have children. Couples (N=4) participated in various group exercises and activities. Results indicated the group experience was positive for most members: they gained an understanding of their own needs and attitudes, of their spouses' positions, and of issues involved. (Author)

Examined the effects of a group counseling model on the vocational maturity, self-esteem and self-confidence, degree of conformity, personal effectiveness and integration, and perception of needs of reentry women. Short-term group career counseling was effective; counselor facilitation and mutual group support promoted positive personal change.…