Part IV Group Processes

Chapter 9 Spatial Relationships in Small Groups by Judee K. Burgoon

1. Key concepts to understand:

• informal space
• fixed-feature space
• semi-fixed feature space
  • sociopetal patterns
  • sociofugal patterns

2. There are three considerations determining the normative distance for a given interaction. What are they? (p. 89) How can you "use" this information?

3. Explain the relationship between status/leadership and proxemics.

4. Explain the effects of "spatial deviancy" (also known as expectancy violation theory).

5. Consider two ideas/concepts/assertions from this chapter that you feel are important to understanding and improving group communication. How might you investigate/apply/test these ideas?

Chapter 10 Feedback Processes in Task Groups by Beth Bonniwell Haslett and John R. Ogilvie

1. Explain the "composite dimensions" of feedback (p. 98-99).

2. Explain the three characteristics of sources which influence feedback (p. 100-101).

3. According to Tesser and Rosen (1975, as cited in Haslett & Ogilvie, 2003) the negativity of a message significantly affects the likelihood that we will communicate that message to someone else. How might you test this?

4. On page 106, the authors rephrase the message "Bill, you are arrogant and domineering." to "Bill, many colleagues perceive your attitude as being arrogant and domineering." The authors posit this as being descriptive rather than evaluative and, therefore, more constructive feedback. I adamantly disagree with this conclusion. What do you think?

5. Consider two ideas/concepts/assertions from this chapter that you feel are important to understanding and improving group communication. How might you investigate/apply/test these ideas?

Chapter 11 Influencing Others in Group Interactions: Individual, Subgroup, Group, and Intergroup Processes by Renee A. Meyers and Dale E. Brashers

1. Explain the difference between Social Comparison Theory and Persuasive Arguments Theory.

2. Explain the difference between the Distributed Valence Model and the Group Valence Model.

3. Consider two ideas/concepts/assertions from this chapter that you feel are important to understanding and improving group communication. How might you investigate/apply/test these ideas?

New: Group Polarization and Computer-Mediated Communication: Effects of Communication Cues, Social Presence, and Anonymity: download document to "map" one of the experiments (which one is assigned on the document).