Small Group Communication: Definition, Features, and Roles

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What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a team from a small group?

The length of time the group has been together

The number of members

The type of task being performed

The level of interdependence among members (correct)

What type of talk is focused on raising group pride, identity, and morale?

Encounter

Problem-solving

Consciousness-raising (correct)

Role

What is the primary focus of teams' goals?

Process-oriented

Task-oriented

Content-oriented

Outcome-oriented (correct)

What is the defining feature of small groups?

Talk Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a team's success?

Collective effort Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of content messages in teams?

Explicit information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between small groups and teams?

The level of interdependence among members Signup and view all the answers

Which small group format involves a prepared presentation followed by a Q&A segment?

Symposium-forum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of idea generation groups?

To generate ideas Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the brainstorming period proper in idea generation groups?

Generation of as many ideas as possible Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of focus groups?

To conduct an in-depth group interview Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of encounter groups, a type of personal growth group?

To facilitate members' personal growth and foster their ability to deal effectively with others Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Consciousness-raising groups?

To assist people in coping with societal problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the third step in the 6-step problem-solving sequence?

Identify possible solutions Signup and view all the answers

Which problem-solving approach involves limited discussion and confidential voting?

Nominal Group Technique Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary activity that occurs during the 'Business' stage of small group development?

The group works on tasks such as problem-solving or information sharing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of group is formed to help one of its members overcome a personal problem?

Intervention group Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stage of small group development?

Closing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power is gained when a person is respected or admired by others?

Referent Power Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of having both Reward Power and Coercive Power?

Increased influence over others Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of small groups, where individuals may not contribute equally?

Social loafing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power is gained by possessing expertise or knowledge?

Expert Power Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of small groups, where group members are more committed to decisions?

Increased commitment to decisions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power is gained when one can communicate logically and persuasively?

Information/Persuasion Power Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a small group according to Mullins (2010)?

Definable membership Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of task norms in a small group?

To enable the group to work toward task accomplishment Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a change in one part of a small group, as described by the concept of interdependence?

It affects in some way the other parts of the group Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between primary and secondary features of small groups?

Primary features are related to group size, while secondary features are related to group norms Signup and view all the answers

What is the common purpose that connects individuals in a small group?

Shared goals and objectives Signup and view all the answers