Among the results, in a sample of 1,562 ninth through twelfth graders from large and small high schools, it was found that students in the smaller schools were more alienated and participated in more school activities and that their participation was more strongly related to feelings of personal worth. (Author/RH)

Describes an innovative continuing education model to help nurses better meet the mental health needs of their patients. Discusses specific teaching methods. (Author/JOW)

Examined whether different levels of task complexity result in variations in group decision making. Groups (N=7) discussed problems varying in levels of complexity. Findings suggested that group decision making is a cyclical process with the number of cycles affected by task complexity. (RC)

Uses a laboratory experiment involving role-playing groups to show that an assigned majority rule is likely to lead to higher-quality solutions than unanimity and no-decision rule. Results indicated under majority rule workers resistance to the foreman's power often resulted in a successful search for a better solution. (JAC)

Investigates seven task-oriented groups which examine consistency of social choice across a range of behavioral criteria (friendship, leadership, followship, and evaluation criteria of social interaction). Results suggest that some criteria of interpersonal relations are interdependent: acceptance and rejection choices are not opposite ends of…

Argues that games with a simple communication structure and/or an abstract content have more virtues than games which introduce too many details into the roles and scenario. Four such "simple" games are described, one in detail, and four references are listed. (LLS)

Describes two studies conducted to test the hypotheses that groups would make more risky decisions than individuals when insignificant consequences were present, and that groups would make more conservative decisions than individuals when significant consequences were present. Twenty references are listed. (LLS)

Examined the interaction patterns of adult creative problem solvers within small, leaderless groups. Presented divergent thinking problems to two groups and categorized their discussions. Results indicated the creative person plays a central role in determining task-oriented directions by initiating and receiving more orienting behaviors. (RC)

Responses to the revised version of the Anticipated Task-Orientation (ATO) Scale of 261 undergraduates were factor analyzed. Items associated with communication performance and motivation were similar to those in the original ATO instrument. Items composing the self-confidence factor were loaded on the communication performance factor in the…

Describes an observational analysis of 34 special education team meetings, in which characteristics of effective team meetings were evaluated. In general, the meetings tended to be unstructured, nongoal-oriented, and limited to the extent in which individuals participated in decision making. Offers recommendations for improved practice.…

Discusses a stairway model of committee structures and effects as it relates to consensus and change. Proposes the model as a useful device for post-mortum analysis of committee behavior as well as a way to organize committees to achieve desired goals. (RL)

Female participants in educational personal growth groups often have needs and goals that are different from those of male participants. Theoretical and research evidence substantiating the necessity for differential approaches to change in men and women is presented. A model to facilitate the goal attainment of women is suggested. (Author)

Counseling trainees were rated on level of facilitative functioning before and after prepracticum. Evidence is presented that pretraining and early training levels of facilitative functioning are directly related to later performance in practicum. (Author)

Examined reduction of noise levels in an elementary school lunchroom as a function of feedback. Results indicate that feedback plus reinforcement was effective in reducing noise levels. Feedback only was also effective, but to a lesser degree. No relationship existed between noise level and other behaviors. (Author/BEF)

Studied male psychiatric patients' social sensitivity and self-awareness in a human relations training program. The two variables were significantly related. Self- awareness was not related to group acceptance. Results indicate a decrease in patient's symptoms but not as a function of social sensitivity or self-awareness. (JAC)