Examines the transition from a single conversation to two conversations in a group larger than three by focusing on three distinctive properties of the schisming-inducing turn (SIT): (1) the changes in recipiency structure; (2) the sequence-structural properties of the SIT and its uptake; and (3) the topical properties of the SIT. (61 references)…

Describes three types of communication assessment: structural assessment; functional assessment; and process assessment. Contends that these traditional approaches are inappropriate for assessing organizational change. Proposes that complexity theory explicitly focuses on evolutionary processes and thus is a more appropriate foundation for…

Examined applicability of Bednar, Melnick, and Kaul's model of early group development to college student self-help groups using undergraduates (N=101) who met in high-structure or low-structure groups. Found amount of group structure was positively related to ownership of group functioning; importance of performing group behaviors was positively…

Meeting the needs of gifted students within the regular classroom requires appropriate uses of cluster grouping, where small groups of students with similar learning needs are assigned to a particular teacher; an extended support system for the teacher; and educational differentiation to meet student needs. (JDD)

Program administration can be enhanced through the use of unilateral groups (focus groups, task forces, advisory committees) and multilateral groups (coalitions, cooperatives, consortia, alliances, subcontractors, partnerships). Groups can help plan programs; share or train staff; share facilities, materials, and equipment; and reduce service…

Describes a one-day psychoeducational group for survivors of a recent organizational downsizing. Principal goal of the group is to prevent "Layoff Survivor Syndrome" through instruction and group exercises designed to normalize common responses and increase awareness of positive coping strategies. Provides descriptions of group…

The Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA) has an ongoing plan for professional growth and development reflective of the multiple counseling professions and the diversity of its members. Based on the development and history of the organization, this research project was designed to assess ALCA's progress toward achieving its stated outcome goals. A…

A recounting of developments in the formation of a gay liberation group with particular attention paid to attitudinal, behavioral, and self-concept changes. (Author)

One of the most important differences between American and Japanese cultures is the difference in group interaction. The Japanese have been described as group-oriented and Americans as individualistic. In Japan, groups are hierarchical and usually make decisions by consensus. Japanese groups play an important role in the lives of their members,…

Proposes that a school tracking system can be a good context for studying the effects of stratification on socialization. Tracking is found to have a pronounced influence on the dispersion of I.Q. scores. Concludes with speculations on the relationship of stratification and socialization process. (Author/AM)

A stable, ordered dominance hierarchy was found via observational and sociometric methods for a group of 13-year-old boys during a five-week summer camp. This group structure was formed early in camp and was stable across settings, time, and types of dominance interactions. The hierarchy correlated significantly with the rank-orderings bed…

Presented are guidelines for developing and conducting a group counseling program with the mentally retarded. Advantages of the group counseling approach (such as peer influence), goals for the group (such as teaching skills), and characteristics of an effective group leader (such as empathetic understanding) are outlined. Factors related to group…

The report contains topics included in a plan for research on academic groups and collectives which might be as follows: The mechanism for regulating the effectiveness of people's interactions and conditions governing the selection and recruitment for academic groups and collectives; Methods of evaluating the social-psychological characteristics…