Group Behavior and Communication

Study Notes

Group Behavior

Tuckman's Stages of Group Development: A framework for understanding group dynamics.
- Forming: Initial stage where members meet and get to know each other.
- Storming: Conflicts arise as members assert their ideas and roles.
- Norming: Group establishes shared values and expectations, leading to cohesion.
- Performing: Members work effectively toward shared goals.
- Adjourning: The group disbands after achieving its purpose.

Communication

Verbal Communication: Using words to convey meaning.
Non-Verbal Communication: Communicating through body language, facial expressions, and gestures.
- Paralinguistics: Vocal cues like tone, pitch, and speed impact message interpretation.
- Kinesics: Study of how body movement conveys meaning.
Universal Emotions: Basic emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are expressed similarly across cultures.
Transactional Model of Communication: Communication is a dynamic, two-way process where senders and receivers influence each other.
- Encoding: Converting thoughts into a message.
- Decoding: Interpreting the message.
Contexts: Factors that influence communication:
- Cultural: Shared values and beliefs affect communication style.
- Relational: The nature of the relationship impacts communication.
- Social: Social norms and expectations influence communication.
- Physical: The environment can influence communication.
- Psychological: Mental state and emotions impact message interpretation.
Noise: Distractions that interfere with communication and can hinder message clarity.

Prosocial Behavior

Prosocial Behavior: Actions intended to benefit others.
Altruism: Helping others without expecting personal gain.
Helping Model: Framework explaining factors that increase the likelihood of helping behavior.

Bystander Effect

Genovese Effect: Tendency for individuals to be less likely to help someone in need when others are present.
Diffusion of Responsibility: Individuals feel less responsible to act when others are around.
Audience Inhibition: Fear of looking foolish or being judged prevents action.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Weighing the potential risks and benefits of intervening.

Sympathy, Compassion, and Empathy

Sympathy: Feeling concern for someone in distress.
Empathy: Understanding and sharing another person’s feelings.
Compassion: Desire to relieve another person's suffering.
Brain Areas:
- Anterior Insula: Linked to experiencing empathy and physical sensations.
- Anterior Cingulate Cortex: Involved in empathy and decision-making.
- Reward Processing Areas: Activated when experiencing empathy, suggesting a connection to prosocial behavior.

Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure: Influence exerted by others in one's social group.
Conformity: Adjusting one's behavior to align with group norms.
Positive/Negative Peer Pressure:
- Positive: Encouragement towards beneficial behaviors.
- Negative: Influence towards risky or harmful behaviors.

Status and Power

Types of Power: Different ways individuals exert influence over others:
- Reward Power: Control over resources and rewards.
- Coercive Power: Ability to punish or threaten others.
- Legitimate Power: Authority derived from a position or role.
- Referent Power: Influence based on respect, admiration, or liking.
- Expert Power: Influence based on knowledge, expertise, or skill.
- Informational Power: Influence based on access to information or knowledge.

Description

Explore the dynamics of group behavior through Tuckman's stages of group development, including forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Additionally, delve into the significance of verbal and non-verbal communication, including vocal cues and body language, and the impact of universal emotions in effective communication.