individuals and groups- MF2

Question 1

specific roles for individuals

Answer 1

1. To ensure tasks are achieved.
2. To maintain or build relationships.
3. To influence the group’s progress

Question 2

what are the specific roles for individuals of ‘To ensure tasks are achieved’

Answer 2

Task-Oriented – to ensure the tasks are achieved

Members are largely concerned with completing the task within a specified time. Goal-oriented individuals. Examples include:
* Expert
* Brainstormer
* Chairperson
* Judge
* Recorder
* Initiator
* Information seeker

Question 3

what are the specific roles individuals of ‘To maintain and build relationships’

Answer 3

Socioemotional – to maintain/build relationship
Members are concerned with the well-being of the group/members. Focus on group cohesion and knowing each member. Examples include:
* Peacemaker
* Encourager
* Advocate
* Mediator
* Negotiator
* Social organiser
* Harmoniser

Question 4

what are the specific roles individuals of ‘to influence the group’s progress’

Answer 4

Destructive- to influence the group’s progress
Members work at diverting attention away from the task. Push the group to make hasty decisions. Can impact group harmony. Examples include:
* Victim
* Distractor
* Husher
* Interrupter
* Side-tracker
* Clown
* Monopoliser

Question 5

what are norms

Answer 5

A standard or pattern of behaviour that is considered normal in a particular society.

Question 6

examples of norms

Answer 6

• Where we sit
• Be kind.
• manners

Question 7

what is conformity

Answer 7

When a group is formed or when an individual joins a group, they are often required to modify their behaviour to fit within the expectations/needs of that group. Failure to do so may mean rejection from the group or limited involvement within the group.

Question 8

positives and negatives of conformity

Answer 8

positives:

negatives:
-Pressure to adjust values to match others

Question 9

what is cohesiveness

Answer 9

When a group works efficiently and effectively.

Conformity and norms play an integral role in a group’s cohesion as group members work towards a common goal, with common values and appreciation for one another.

Question 10

factors that contribute to the role they adopt within groups

Answer 10

personal and social factors

Question 11

what are personal factors that contribute to the role they adopt within groups

(PS - CHESS)

Answer 11

Factors that are specific to the individual and developed through lived experiences, genetic predisposition and family background.

1. Previous experience
2. Self esteem
3. Culture
4. Heredity
5. Education
6. Self confidence
7. Sense of belonging

Question 12

Personal factors - self-esteem

Answer 12

• Individuals’ perceptions, self-worth or self-value
• For example, Someone with low self-esteem is less likely to be an active contributor to groups due to being withdrawn, hesitant and self-conscious

Question 13

Personal factors - culture

Answer 13

The ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or group.

Culturally determined behaviour within groups may be misunderstood if not discussed.

Cultural awareness programs help group members gain knowledge and understanding in order to connect with members and participate to the best of their ability.

Question 14

Personal factors - hereditary

Answer 14

• Genetics passed down from generation to generation.
• For example, illnesses and temperament can impact an individual’s ability to actively contribute or fulfil a role.
• Can also hinder the progress of a group or the formation of a group.

Question 15

personal factors - education

Answer 15

• The level of academic education, qualifications and work history a person has.
• For example, Group members often turn to the most ‘experienced’ or ‘educated’ with the perception that they are the best at decision making. This is NOT always the case!

Question 16

personal factors - confidence

Answer 16

• The attitude a person holds about their skills and abilities.
• For example, More confident individuals are more likely to take on challenges.

Question 17

personal factors - sense of belonging

Answer 17

• Feeling connected
• For example, when an individual connects with a group, they feel valued and are more likely to engage in tasks.

Question 18

what are social factors that contribute to the role they adopt within groups
(GRAM)

Answer 18

Factors that are influenced by others, specifically people that individuals associate with on a personal basis or in the larger community.
Examples of social factors:
*Relationship with group members
*Attitudes of group members
*Gender expectations
*Media

Question 19

social factor: gender

Answer 19

Within society and groups, we subconsciously (and consciously) reinforce views of masculinity and femininity.

Question 20

social factor: relationships with group members

Answer 20

*Groups are connected/developed through relationships (group cohesion)
*Groups with strong ties and connections through informal socialising heightens solidarity, trust and support.

Question 21

social factor: attitudes of other group members

Answer 21

*Acceptance within a group is determined by whether group members of a similar age accept us.
*Rejection from a group often results as a difference of opinions/values, this can impact on self-esteem and confidence.

Question 22

social factor: media

Answer 22

*Motivates, and influences thoughts and actions and is used either constructively to educate or destructively to mislead the innocent.

Question 23

participant vs non pon participant

Answer 23

Participant observation: Actively involved within the activity/group/structure that is being observed.

Non-participant observation: Observer plays no role within the activity/group/structure and merely observes.

Question 24

conducting and recording observations

Answer 24

*Need to observe non-verbal indicators to gain an understanding of feelings, interaction patterns, group dynamics and time allocations.

*It is important to conduct and record observations in a thorough and systemic manner, particularly as it is an area where bias can occur.

*Developments in technology have assisted in observation techniques with smart phones, tablets and recording devices becoming invaluable aids.

Question 25

sociogram

Answer 25

A map that is used to track/record interactions between individuals within a group.

Directional arrows show the flow of interaction (develop a key for interactions).

Displays both positive and negative interactions.

Question 26

presenting research findings

Answer 26

Can be presented in a variety of ways – tables, graphs, summarised lists, flow charts, spreadsheets, socio-metric models (sociogram) or articles.

Most observations are recorded in a specific ‘field book’ particularly if observations occur multiple times or over a time period.

Photographic evidence adds validity to results (must consider ethics and privacy)

Important that all observations are documented accurately e.g. time, date, location, environment.