Complex human interactions involve more than just performance toward pre-determined goals. For this reason, systems that measure and seek to improve performance must adapt to a wide range of ever-changing patterns of individual and group behavior. Historically, HPT professionals have recognized these complexities and responded in a variety of…

An experiment in behavior technology is described in which the results indicate that token technology can be an effective technique to increase small group participation when a variety of back-up reinforcers is offered. (Author/HB)

This study compares two intake procedures designed to prepare adolescents for subsequent group counseling: an individual interview and a group-administered questionnaire. The only significant difference was that the questionnaire group spoke with greater personal involvement in, and more responsibility for, their problem or concern. (SJL)

This paper focuses on the organizational group, noting the lack of an integrated theoretical base, describing the nature of group behavior theories, and suggesting the employment of a metatheory framework to improve both the theoretical integration and the practical application of group behavior research. The paper first considers four general…

Symbolic interaction is a useful perspective, a viable theoretical approach to getting at answers to many important questions related to educational technology. Participant observation is a useful methodology for rooting answers out of the research setting. (Author)

The hypothesized effect of a person-group attitude similarity on one's desire for leadership status was confirmed in an attitude survey of 48 college students. (Author/KM)

Examines several alternative models to account for the distribution of group disorder in New York City's 56 comprehensive academic high schools. Advances the thesis that, while disorders occur in the schools, their roots lie in the larger society. (Author/MLF)

The present study was conducted to determine whether independence produced by social support provided on one type of item in a group pressure situation would generalize to a different item on which the subject was opposed by a consensual group. Moreover, in one condition the group member providing social support varied over trials. It was…

The present investigation extended the methodology to investigate the effects of viewed aggression on groups of two and four children. The present study employed a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial design, using as independent variables sex of the child, group size (two or four children), and cartoon condition (aggressive cartoon, nonaggressive cartoon, and no…

Empirical research and past conceptualizations of small groups are reviewed, focusing on attempts to identify the essential characteristic of "groupness." An alternate conceptual schema is suggested which integrates the study of groups into a single morphological system emanating from modern system theory. (Author)

Presents a theoretical model of group development based on five stages of development, each with a central issue. They are (1) orientation stage (dependence vs independence); (2) conflict stage (control vs adaptation); (3) integration stage (implicit vs explicit social structure); (4) achievement stage (intellectualizing vs implementation); and…

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)