CHAP 2 - Studying Groups

Question 1

In an _________, researchers MANIPULATE VARIABLES to study cause-and-effect relationships.

Answer 1

experiment

Question 2

A more advanced system that helps categorize behavior on multiple levels, providing deeper insights into group dynamics.

Answer 2

SYMLOG
(Systematic Multiple Level Observation of Groups)

Question 3

5 Theoretical Perspectives in Group Dynamics Research

Answer 3

(1) Motivational and Emotional Theories
(2) Behavioral Theories
(3) Systems Theory
(4) Cognitive Theories
(5) Biological Theories

Question 4

an observation where the group knows they are being observed.

Answer 4

Overt observation

Question 5

it occurs when individuals change behavior because they know they are being observed.

Answer 5

Hawthorne Effect

Question 6

Rooted in Skinner’s behaviorism, Thibaut and Kelley’s social exchange theory suggests that individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs in group interactions.

Answer 6

Behavioral Theories

Question 7

an observation where the group is unaware of the observation, reducing bias.

Answer 7

Covert observation

Question 8

Strengths and Weaknesses of Case study

Answer 8

Strength: Offers in-depth knowledge of real-world, naturally occurring groups.

Weakness: Results can be subjective or influenced by researcher bias.

Question 9

Strengths and Weaknesses of Experimental Study

Answer 9

Strength: Provides the most accurate assessment of cause and effect.

Weakness: Groups in artificial environments may behave differently than in real life.

Question 10

It is a method that involves asking group members to describe their perceptions and experiences. One classic example is Moreno’s sociometry, where participants nominate their preferred group members, allowing researchers to map social relationships in the form of a sociogram.

Answer 10

Self-report measures/self-report methods

Question 11

Focus on descriptive information about group dynamics.

Answer 11

Qualitative Studies

Question 12

For any measurement to be meaningful, it must be ________ (producing consistent results) and _________ (actually measuring what it is supposed to measure).

Answer 12

reliable, valid

Question 13

_____________ examine relationships between variables without manipulation.

Answer 13

Correlational studies

Question 14

Involve counting and measuring behaviors.

Answer 14

Quantitative Studies

Question 15

This approach views groups as systems where input-process-output (I-P-O)
models explain performance.

Answer 15

Systems Theory

Question 16

A _________ is an in-depth analysis of one or more groups, providing detailed insights into group dynamics in real-world settings.

Answer 16

case study

Question 17

These theories explain group behavior based on members’ needs, goals, and feelings. For example, members’ desire for self-esteem can influence how they react to group outcomes.

Answer 17

Motivational and Emotional Theories

Question 18

Strengths and Weaknesses of Correlational Study

Answer 18

Strength: Accurately measures relationships between variables without ethical concerns.

Weakness: Cannot explain causality.

Question 19

It suggests that some group behaviors, like leadership, may be tied to
biological factors.

Answer 19

Biological Theories

Question 20

A structured observational tools that classify group behaviors into task or relationship interactions.

Answer 20

Bales’s Interaction Process Analysis (IPA)

Question 21

Turner’s self-categorization theory (SCT) posits that group members’ need to categorize themselves and others influences behaviors.

Answer 21

Cognitive Theories

Question 22

an observation where the researcher joins the group as a participant.

Answer 22

Participant observation

Question 23

3 Observation methods

Answer 23

Overt
Covert
Participant