Group Dynamics Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is one characteristic of group fallacy?

Ignoring the influence of group dynamics.

Considering only external factors in analysis.

Describing social phenomena using the group as a whole. (correct)

Basing explanations on individual-level processes.

Which theorist is known for introducing the concept of paradigm in relation to group dynamics?

Thomas S. Kuhn (correct)

Emile Durkheim

Kurt Lewin

Gustave Le Bon

What does Lewin’s law of interactionism emphasize?

Behavior is influenced by personal qualities and social environment. (correct)

The individual is more important than the group.

Only environmental factors affect group behavior.

Groups are simply a sum of their individual members.

What is the primary result of the need to belong being unsatisfied?

A state of tension and want Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Gustave Le Bon introduce in relation to groups?

The psychology of crowds. Signup and view all the answers

Which response involves attempting to reintegrate into a group after feeling excluded?

Fight response Signup and view all the answers

What does systems theory assume about complex phenomena?

They result from dynamic adjustments between interdependent parts. Signup and view all the answers

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following is considered a higher-level need?

Self-actualization Signup and view all the answers

What do sociologists study regarding groups?

How groups influence various societal systems. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state can manifest as loneliness?

Cognitive and affective malaise Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'group mind' refer to?

A unified mental force among group members. Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment, what is the role of the independent variable?

It is manipulated to observe its effects on other variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common manifestation of the flight response to group exclusion?

Withdrawal from the situation Signup and view all the answers

What are 'group dynamics' primarily focused on?

The study of social influence and behavior in groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Input-Process-Output (I-P-O) model?

To illustrate the transformation of inputs into outputs through internal processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stages signifies feelings of alienation and loss of self-worth?

Resignation stage Signup and view all the answers

According to Lewin’s interactionism model, which formula represents the relationship between behavior, personal qualities, and environment?

B = F(P, E) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the strengths of conducting case studies?

They stimulate theoretical development and provide detailed insights. Signup and view all the answers

The group-reference effect primarily influences which aspect of memory?

Memories for group-related actions Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a dependent variable in research?

It is the outcome measured by researchers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research design typically examines cause-effect relationships?

Experimental design. Signup and view all the answers

What leads people to derogate those who have excluded them?

The fight response Signup and view all the answers

According to systems theory, how do groups maintain dynamic equilibrium?

By constant adjustment among interdependent members. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between individual, group, and situational input variables in the I-P-O model?

They mediate processes that affect performance outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What does social cohesion primarily involve?

Attraction between members and to the group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes task cohesion?

Commitment to achieving a shared goal Signup and view all the answers

What principle refers to the tendency for liking to be reciprocated?

Reciprocity principle Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cohesion is characterized by overall group-based emotions like pride and esprit de corps?

Emotional cohesion Signup and view all the answers

What does the minimax principle emphasize in relation to relationships and memberships?

Maximization of valued rewards with minimal costs Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a group's cohesion when it performs well at its identified task?

Cohesion increases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the punctuated equilibrium model in group development?

Periods of rapid change occur during slow growth phases. Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence for individuals leaving highly cohesive groups?

Feelings of loneliness and isolation. Signup and view all the answers

How does cohesion typically affect group performance?

High performance can lead to increased group cohesion. Signup and view all the answers

What are cohesive groups often recognized for throughout history?

Their increased likelihood of being productive and creative. Signup and view all the answers

What typically occurs among groups that are identical except for the performance feedback given?

Cohesion is enhanced in groups perceived to have performed well. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the relationship between performance and cohesion?

Performance levels influence the degree of cohesion experienced by the group. Signup and view all the answers

What is often observed when groups experience failure in their tasks?

Fragmentation and loss of cohesion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Group Dynamics

Group Dynamics is not a single field, but a variety of perspectives on group processes.
The study of group dynamics began with anthropologists, sociologists, and political scientists who observed groups in their natural settings.

Paradigm

Paradigm means the basic assumptions that scientists make about the things they study.
In science, paradigms are defined by the shared assumptions of scientists regarding the nature of the phenomena they study.
These shared assumptions also include research procedures.

Group Mind

A group mind is a hypothetical unifying mental force that connects individuals within a group.
The group mind concept is often used to explain how individuals behave differently when they are part of a group.
Group minds are considered to be a type of collective consciousness or a transcendent level of consciousness.
The "group mind" perspective suggests that individuals lose a degree of their individuality when they belong to a group.

Lewin’s Field Theory

Lewin’s Field Theory states that groups are more than the sum of their parts.
Lewin’s Law of Interactionism: B = F(P,E) - B = behavior - P = personal qualities - E = social environment - The law of interactionism suggests that behavior is a function of both personal characteristics and the social environment. - The interplay between the person and the environment determines the group processes.

Systems Theory

Systems theory states that complex phenomena are the result of dynamic adjustments among the interdependent parts of the whole.
Systems theory, when applied to groups, sees groups as open systems.
Open systems maintain dynamic equilibrium among members through a series of adjustments and processes.

Input-Process-Output (I-P-0) Model

An I-P-O model assumes that processes transform raw materials (inputs) into results (outputs).
The model suggests that group level processes mediate the relationship between individual, group, and situational variables and resulting performance outcomes.

Experimental Research

Experiments allow researchers to study cause-and-effect relationships.
Experiments use independent and dependent variables.
Independent variables are manipulated by the researcher.
Dependent variables are measured by the researcher.

Case Studies

Case studies examine groups in their natural setting.
Case studies can be highly subjective, but they provide detailed information about groups.
Case studies can be used to generate new theories and hypotheses.

Correlational Research

Correlational research observes relationships between two or more variables without manipulating any variable.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Different Research Methods

Case studies can be subjective but offer detailed information about natural groups.
Experiments can firmly establish cause-and-effect relationships but may not accurately represent groups in their natural setting.
Correlational research can identify relationships between variables but cannot establish causality.

Need to Belong

The need to belong is a basic psychological need.
It is a generalized desire to seek out and join with other people.
Unsatisfied need to belong causes tension and dissatisfaction.

Loneliness

Loneliness is a cognitive and affective malaise.
Loneliness is characterized by sadness, dejection, self-deprecation, and boredom.
Loneliness occurs when a person’s relationships are perceived to be too few or too unsatisfying.

Originator Compatibility

Originator compatibility is compatibility between group members.
It occurs when individuals who wish to express inclusion, control, or affection are paired with individuals who want to receive those things.

Reciprocity Principle

The reciprocity principle states that liking is met with liking in return.
When A likes B, then B will tend to like A.

Minimax Principle

The minimax principle describes a preference for relationships and memberships that maximize rewards and minimize costs.

Comparison Level (CL)

The comparison level is a standard used to evaluate the quality of social relationships.

Social cohesion is the attraction of members to one another and to the group as a whole.

Task Cohesion

Task cohesion is a shared commitment among members to achieve a goal.
Task cohesion leads to successful task performance.

Collective Cohesion

Collective cohesion is unity based on shared identity and belonging.

Emotional Cohesion

Emotional cohesion is group-based emotions.
Emotional cohesion includes pride, esprit de corps, and overall affective intensity.

Structural Cohesion

Structural cohesion is the group's structural integrity.
It includes normative coherence, clarity of roles, and the strength and density of relationships linking members.

4-3B: Economics of Membership

The Economics of Membership examines how individuals weigh the costs and benefits of group membership.

Punctuated Equilibrium Model

The Punctuated Equilibrium Model describes group development as a process of gradual change punctuated by periods of rapid change.

Hierarchy of Needs

The Hierarchy of Needs is a model of human motivation created by Abraham Maslow.
It classifies human needs in a hierarchy, from basic biological needs to self-actualization needs.

Group-Reference Effect

Group-reference effect is the tendency to have better memories for actions and events related to one’s group.

Fight-or-Flight Response

The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to threats.
In social contexts, individuals facing exclusion may choose to fight their way back into the group or flee the situation.

Social cohesion is the attraction of members to one another and to the group as a whole.

Consequences of Cohesion

High cohesion can lead to positive and negative consequences for group members and group dynamics.

Group Productivity

Cohesive groups are often perceived as more productive, successful, and creative.

The Performance-Cohesion Relationship

While cohesion is often linked to performance, research suggests that performance often drives cohesion.
Groups that perform well tend to become more cohesive.

Resignation Stage

The resignation stage occurs when individuals feel a sense of alienation, helplessness, and low self-worth.
It follows periods of negative emotions and confusion.

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Description

Explore the multifaceted world of group dynamics, examining perspectives from various disciplines like anthropology, sociology, and political science. Discover significant concepts such as paradigms and the notion of a collective 'group mind' that influences individual behavior within groups.