Group Dynamics Midterms

Group

An entity comprised of individuals who come together for a common purpose and whose behaviors are guided by shared values and norms.

Dyad

A group consisting of two members.

Triad

A group consisting of three members.

Interdependence

A dynamic whole based on interdependence rather than similarity.

Influence

Two or more persons who are interacting in a manner that each person influences and is influenced by others.

Communication

Three or more people who think of themselves as a group and communicate with each other.

Primary Group

A small, long-term group characterized by frequent interaction and high levels of interdependence.

Collective

A relatively large aggregation of individuals who display similarities in actions and outlook.

Social Category

A perceptual grouping of people assumed to be similar in some ways but different in others.

Group Dynamics

The study of how people interact and behave in groups.

Psychological Group

Any number of people who interact with each other and are psychologically aware of each other.

Shared Identity

Two or more individuals possessing common social identification recognized by a third party.

Social Unit

Persons who recognize that they constitute a meaningful social unit.

Closure

The tendency of a group to exclude individuals who do not conform.

Norms

Generally accepted standards of behavior that create order within a group.

Explicit Norms

Written norms like laws and formal rules.

Implicit Norms

Unwritten norms understood and followed by group members.

Task Roles

Roles focused on advancing the work group.

Maintenance Roles

Roles focused on maintaining positive relationships within the group.

Individual Roles

Roles focused on individual needs rather than group goals.

Group Conformity

The tendency to align behaviors and attitudes with the group.

Groupthink

A psychological phenomenon where consensus is prioritized over critical evaluation.

Cohesion

A sense of belonging and loyalty among group members.

Active Listening

Fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said.

Catharsis

The release of suppressed emotions during group activities.

Transference

When a member transfers feelings from one person to another within the group context.

Counter Transference

When a facilitator projects unresolved feelings onto a group member.

Re-enactment

The process of replaying family dynamics in the group setting.

Myth of Leadership

The belief that a group's effectiveness depends solely on its leader.

Communication Structure

The way information flows among group members.

Closed Groups

Groups with fixed membership and strict attendance requirements.

Open Groups

Groups with fluid memberships where individuals can join or leave freely.

In-group

Groups that include the most popular individuals.

Out-group

Groups that individuals find themselves excluded from.

Support Groups

Groups designed to share experiences and provide emotional support.

Focus Groups

Groups designed to gather data and insights on specific topics.

Counseling Groups

Groups that address specific behavioral issues affecting members' lives.

Therapy Groups

Groups focused on more serious issues requiring skilled facilitation.

Work Groups

Groups designed to accomplish specific tasks or projects.

Psycho-educational Groups

Groups focused on addressing academic behaviors and achievement motivation.

Icebreakers

Activities used to ease anxiety and build initial connections among group members.

Feedback

Information provided to individuals about their performance or behavior.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies used to protect oneself from anxiety.

Encourager Role

A maintenance role that validates and supports contributions of group members.

Gatekeeper Role

A role that monitors and encourages participation in the group.

Dominator Role

An individual focused on asserting authority and control in the group.

Task Completion

The objective of certain groups to effectively achieve set goals.

Cohesive Engagement

Interactions based on trust and openness, leading to stronger group bonds.

Leading vs. Facilitating

The difference between directing a group and guiding members in collaboration.

Setting Norms

Establishing behaviors that govern how group members interact.

Group Roles

The specific functions individuals perform within a group.

Membership Groups

Groups that involve officially recognized status as a member.

Reference Groups

Groups with whose values and goals individuals identify.

Family Groups

Groups that include individuals related by blood or other significant ties.

Friendship Groups

Groups formed by individuals who share common interests and activities.

Group Climate

The overall emotional atmosphere experienced by group members.

Autocratic Leadership

A leadership style where the central authority holds power and makes decisions.

Democratic Leadership

A leadership style that emphasizes collaboration and shared decision-making.

Laissez-faire Leadership

A hands-off leadership approach that minimizes direct supervision.

Structural Communication

The dynamics of how information is exchanged within a group.

Chain Network Structure

A communication flow where information passes sequentially from one member to another.

Circle Communication Structure

An open communication format where all members interact directly with each other.

Wheel Network Structure

A centralized communication structure with one member as the main contact point.

Y Network Structure

A communication flow that branches out but remains partially centralized.

Shifts in Engagement

Changes in the depth of communication and participation as a group evolves.

Forming Stage

The initial stage of group development characterized by dependency and orientation.

Storming Stage

The second stage, marked by conflict, dominance, and emerging roles.

Norming Stage

The stage where trust and cohesiveness begin to build among group members.

Performing Stage

The productive stage where the group focuses on goal achievement.

Adjourning Stage

The final stage of group development involving disengagement and closure.

Goals and Purpose

The foundational objectives that a group is formed to achieve.

Participant Consent

The process of obtaining agreement from members regarding group participation.

Group Procedures

The established methods that guide how a group operates.

Interpersonal Skills Development

The process of enhancing one's ability to interact effectively with others.

Intrapersonal Skills Development

The process of increasing self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Feedback Mechanisms

Structures through which members provide and receive performance-related insights.

Individual Contribution

The specific input or engagement each member brings to the group.

Facilitator Responsibilities

The duties and roles held by a group leader in guiding processes.

Emotional Safety

A group environment where members feel secure to express themselves.

Performance Outcomes

The results achieved by the group as per the established goals.

Membership Criteria

The requirements individuals must meet to join a specific group.

Shared Goals

Objectives that group members collectively work towards.

Growth Processes

Methods and experiences through which individuals develop in a group context.

Self-Disclosure

The act of sharing personal information with group members.

Positive Group Dynamics

The beneficial interactions that facilitate a healthy group environment.

Conflict Resolution

The methods used to address and manage disagreements within the group.

Group Evaluation Metrics

The criteria used to assess a group's effectiveness and performance.

Participation Strategy

The approach used to engage group members fully in the process.

Trust Building Activities

Exercises aimed at fostering confidence and reliability among group members.

Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness and respect for the diverse backgrounds of group members.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and those of others.

Leadership Styles Assessment

The evaluation of leadership effectiveness based on group dynamics.

Group Feedback Sessions

Scheduled times for members to provide insights on group processes.

Commitment Levels

The degree to which members are dedicated to the group and its objectives.

Role Clarity

The understanding members have of their duties and responsibilities.

Creative Solutions

Innovative approaches developed within the group to address challenges.

Diversity of Perspectives

The range of different viewpoints and backgrounds represented in the group.

Conflict Engagement Strategies

Techniques for addressing and leveraging conflict to benefit the group.

Facilitator as a Guide

The role of the leader as one who supports rather than directs group processes.

Behavioral Norms

Expected patterns of behavior within the group.