Questions to Guide your reading of Part II Theories

Chapter 4: Functional Perspective

1. What is this theory primarily designed to look at (i.e. type of groups, parts of the group process)?
2. List the assumptions of the theory. (Be prepared to discuss these in class)
3. List the propositions of the theory. (Be prepared to discuss these in class)
4. Why do the authors feel this theory is both descriptive and predictive?
5. Under what conditions do you feel this theory would be useful?
6. What did the meta-analysis of the research find in terms of the five functions - are they all equally important? if not, under what conditions do some of them seem to be more important?

Chapter 5 Symbolic Convergence Theory

1. Be prepared to explain the following key terms: dramatizing message, fantasy, fantasy chain, fantasy theme, symbolic cue, fantasy type.
2. Briefly explain, according to this theory, how a group creates a symbolic reality (shared consciousness).
3. Is a shared consciousness a good thing or a bad thing for a group to have?
4. Provide an example of a fantasy theme from the Teachers Bargaining research. A ritual?
5. Under what conditions do you feel this theory would be useful?

Chapter 6 Structuration Theory

1. Be prepared to explain the following key terms: system, structure, rules, resources, structuration.
2. Explain some internal and some external forces that, according to Poole, constrain groups and group members.
3. How are structures produced and reproduced within a system?
4. Give an example of a structure that could potentially change the verdict in a jury decision making process.
5. Under what conditions do you feel this theory would be useful?
6. What structures do you think your small group in this class should consider putting in place?