Small groups exam 1

grouphate

the disdain that some people feel for small group work

transactional commmunication

a dynamic process where people simultaneously send and receive messages, creating shared meaning through continuous, real-time interaction, feedback, and mutual influence, all shaped by context

What makes up our worldview?

epistemology, ontology, axiology, cosmology, and praxeology

epistemology

how we learn

ontology

belief system

axiology

value system

cosmology

how we see ourselves in relation to the universe and others

praxeology

how we approach problems and tasks

What are the 4 types of nosie?

physical, physiological, psychological, or culture

What are the 2 types of context?

physical place and relational context

general systems theory

developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy to examine and explain complex organisms by analyzing their system, inputs, processes, outputs, and environment.

system

set of elements that function as a whole because of interdependent relationships

inputs

initial raw materials of the system; the factors or resources brought into the system from the outside

throughputs/processes

influences on the system that result from actual activities within

outputs

result of throughput processes

environment

surroundings, contexts

What are some examples of inputs in small groups?

member attributes, goals, information and resources, group size, physical setting, and discussion/decision-making techniques

What are some examples of processes in small groups?

behaviors, roles, status and power, conflict, cooperation, interaction, and information-processing

What are some examples of outputs in small groups?

decisions, satisfaction, personal goal achievement, development, products, events, presentations

Social Exchange Theory

states that our decisions to initiate, develop, and maintain relationships are affected by the rewards and costs of doing so; as long as rewards exceed costs, group membership will remain attractive

Symbolic Convergence Theory

A process through which group members create and share a consciousness and develop a common symbolic reality through the sharing of narratives or fantasies

What are some examples of symbolic convergence theory in small groups?

private jokes, retold stories, gestures, and other shared “insider” talk

Structuration Theory

Social structures (rules, norms, processes) and human agency (individual actions) are not separate but mutually create and reproduce each other

Structuration

the way that members create and maintain a group, including establishing norms, rules, and climate through verbal and nonverbal communication

functional theory

goal is to identify and enact behaviors that will help your group reach intended goals

What are the 3 characteristics of an effective group according to the functional theory?

ability to satisfy task requirements, overcome constraints, and review decisions

theory

a set of interrelated facts, observations, and ideas explaining or predicting something

What are the 2 functions of a theory?

explanatory and predictive functions

fantasy theme

common or related content of stories

fantasy chain

string of connected stories

What are the 5 levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs from base of the pyramid to the top?

physiological needs, safety needs, belongingness and love needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization

Fundamental Interpersonal relations Orientation

theory proposed by William Schutz that every individual has three important needs: openness/affection

inclusion

the need to feel that we belong and need to interact with others

Control

the need to feel that we have some influence over our own lives as well as the lives of others

Openness/Affection

the need for emotional connection with others by disclosing our inner thoughts and feelings

self-disclosure

revealing information about yourself

empathy

understanding what another person is feeling and saying from that person’s point of view

trust

confidence we have in others; belief that we can predict their behavior to be honorable

What are the 5 stages of group development according to Tuckman’s theory?

forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning

forming stage

team acquaints and establishes ground rules; formalities are preserved and members are treated as strangers

storming stage

members start to communicate their feelings but still view themselves as individuals rather than part of the team; they resist control by group leaders and show hostility

norming stage

people feel part of the team and realize that they can achieve work if they accept other viewpoints

performing stage

the team works in an open and trusting atmosphere where flexibility is the key and hierarchy is of little importance

adjourning

the team conducts an assessment of the year and implements a plan for transitioning roles and recognizing members’ contributions

What are the 3 parts of socializing new members?

mentor the new member, help the new member feel included in group activities, and provide orientation

What are 5 broad reasons for joining a group?

interpersonal needs, individual goals, group and team goals, interpersonal attraction, and group attraction

mutuality of concern

the degree to which members share the same level of commitment to the group

What factors influence interpersonal attraction?

similarity; complementarity; proximity, contact, and interaction; physical attractiveness

What group attributes may attract new members?

group activities, group goals, and group membership

culture

a learned system of knowledge, behavior, attitudes, beliefs, values, and norms shared by a group of people

High-context culture

more emphasis on nonverbal communication

Low-context culture

more emphasis on verbal expression

high-contact culture

more comfortable with touch, physical proximity

low-contact culture

value personal space, make less eye contact, uncomfortable with touch

cognitive bias

a systematic error in thinking that affects the decisions and judgements that people make

confirmation bias

favoring information the conforms to your existing beliefs and discounting evidence that does not conform

halo effect

overall impression of a person influences how you feel and think about his or her character

self-serving bias

the tendency to blame external forces when bad things happen and give yourself credit when good things happen

attentional bias

the tendency to pay attention to some things while simultaneously ignoring others

optimism bias

belief that you are less likely to suffer from misfortune and more likely to attain success than your peers

functional fixedness

the tendency to see objects as only working in a particular way

false consensus effect

tendency to overestimate how much other people agree with you

Dunning-Kruger Effect

the tendency for unskilled individuals to overestimate their own ability

anchoring bias

the tendency to rely too heavily on the very first piece of information you learn

planning fallacy

the tendency to underestimate task-completion times

agenda

a thoughtfully prepared list of issues, topics, tasks, and questions the group will discuss or accomplish