Chapter 13 (extra) : Roles of Group Members Flashcards
suggests new ideas or new ways of looking at problems
initiator-contributor
asks for facts and further explanation of them
information seeker
asks for opinions and feelings about issues under discussion
opinion seeker
provides facts or info from own experience
information giver
expresses feelings/beliefs not necessarily based on facts
opinion giver
spells out suggestions by giving examples or developing scenarios of how it might work out
elaborator
pulls ideas together by showing relationship among diff ideas expressed
coordinator
focuses group on its goals, keeps discussion from wondering off point
orienter
assess accomplishments of group in relation to some standard point
evaluator-critic
prods or arouses group to act; stimulates and boosts morale
energizer
performs routine tasks that help group accomplish its task
ex: Group member arranged for enough chairs for the meeting, started the coffee and got the chalkboard and chalk
procedural technician
writes down main points of discussion; records group decisions
recorder
praises, accepts, supports others in group; encourages diff points of view
encourager
settles differences between other members by reconciling disputes/relieves tension by joking
(ex: after a violent debate between members about what the charge for the T-shirts, Valerie jokes “the aint no fancy boutique, guys”)
harmonizer
gives in to a dispute and changes his/her position to preserve group harmony
compromiser
keeps communication going
ex: Gertrude says some people haven’t spoken yet and she wonders what they think about the T-shirt prices
gatekeeper
expresses norms or standards for group
ex: Valerie says it will be easier to work together if people listen to each other and stop shouting
standard setter
records communication of group; offers this record to group for its comment and interpretation
(this is a role the therapist may play)
group observer
goes along with the general mood and decisions of the group
follower
belittles or attacks group members, group or its purpose
(ex: Tricia says she’d be happy to listen to Ralph’s ideas, but because he never follows through on them, she thinks its a waste of time)
aggressor
prevents group from progressing
ex: Lenore says she wants to know why the group always has to get involved with “these hare brained schemes”
blocker
calls attention to self by boasting, talking about own talents, insisting of having powerful position, etc (ex: John says he has a first-class collection of T-shirts that he'll bring to the next meeting)
recognition seeker
expresses personal problems, political ideology, or other concerns
(ex: Gilbert says he is completely bummed out by the F he got on the anatomy quiz and wants to know if anyone else failed)
self-confessor
isn’t involved w/ group; shows disinterest by clowning around
(ex: Wanda flirts openly with Marco and Nick, ignoring everyone else)
playboy
tries to take control by manipulating group or members
ex: Frank interrupts Ralph repeatedly, telling him to “get on with it” and “leave out the boring details”
dominator
tries to get sympathy of group by acting helpless, victimized
(ex: Leslie says she isn’t sure she can really contribute because she is dyslexic)
help seeker
pretends to speak on behalf of a particular group but really is using group to express own biases
(ex: John says the group has to make sure all the money is accounted for because “some people here aren’t too responsible”)
special interest pleader
