PSY4113: Introduction to Group Dynamics – Fill-in-the-Blank Flashcards

Flashcards cover definitions and key concepts from the lecture notes on group dynamics, including types of groups, group characteristics, key theories, McGrath’s group goals, origins of groups, cohesiveness, entitativity, dynamic processes, and classic research findings.

A group is defined as __.

two or more individuals connected by and within social relationships.

The four basic types of groups are primary, secondary, collectives, and __.

categories.

Primary groups are small, long-term groups characterized by frequent interaction, emotional closeness, solidarity, and high levels of __ among members.

interdependence

Secondary groups are larger, more formally organized groups where interactions are less intimate and often task- or goal-focused; membership tends to be shorter in duration and requires lower levels of __.

commitment

A collective is a temporary group formed when individuals are brought together by a shared event, activity, or circumstance, but disbands once the experience ends; collectives are usually larger, loosely organized, and have minimal __ among members.

interconnection

A social category can function like a(n) __ when shared identity and emotional significance emerge.

group

Characteristics of Groups include Composition, Boundaries, Size, Interaction, Interdependence, Structure, and __.

Goals

Group boundaries can be Open or __.

Closed

Interaction within groups is divided into Task Interaction and __ Interaction (socioemotional).

Relationship

Interdependence among group members can be Symmetrical (equal), Asymmetrical (hierarchical), or __.

Sequential

The Structure of a group includes Roles, Norms, and __ (the network of connections, subgroups, and status within the group).

Intermember Relations

McGrath’s Group Goal Task Typology Type 1 is __.

Planning Tasks

McGrath’s Typology Type 2 is __.

Creativity Tasks

McGrath’s Typology Type 3 is __.

Intellective Tasks

McGrath’s Typology Type 4 is __.

Decision-Making Tasks

McGrath’s Typology Type 5 is __.

Cognitive Conflict Tasks

McGrath’s Typology Type 6 is __.

Mixed-Motive Tasks

McGrath’s Typology Type 7 is __.

Contests/Competitive Tasks

McGrath’s Typology Type 8 is __.

Performance Tasks

Origin types: Concocted Groups are planned groups formed by external authorities; example: __.

a flight crew assigned by airline management

Founded Groups are planned groups formed by one or more individuals who remain within the group as members; example: __.

a start-up business team

Circumstantial Groups are unplanned, emergent groups created by external situations; example: __.

a group of passengers stranded at a terminal

Self-Organizing Groups are emergent groups with no formal structure but still develop coordination and shared norms; example: __.

a circle of friends

Unity/Cohesiveness is the degree of __ within a group.

solidarity

Entitativity is the perceived 'groupiness' or apparent unity; cues include Similarity, Proximity, Common Fate, Shared Emotion, Shared Goals, and __.

Perceptual Features

The stages in Tuckman’s model are forming, storming, norming, performing, and __.

adjourning

The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to overestimate personal traits and __ the group or situational influence.

underestimate

One of the classic findings in group research is that people behave differently in groups than when __.

alone

Over the last century, group research has involved more than __ studies.

25,000

Over the last century, group research has involved more than __ people.

8 million

Entitativity is a psychological perception rather than based on formal structure or actual closeness; this is a __ perception.

psychological