Psychology Terms Definition Essay, Research Paper

1. Explain the concept of Ambiguity (p.69)

Communication that could reasonably be interpreted in more than one way. Mixed message in which words imply one meaning but actions indicate something else.

2. Explain cognitive complexity (124)

Individual?s ability to interpret multiple signals simultaneously, ability to process information. Measure of complex-to-simplistic thinking.

3. Explain the relationships between self-monitoring and rhetorical sensitivity (125)

Self-monitoring — degree to which person monitors and controls self presentation.

Rhetorical sensitivity ? monitoring what you say, adapting to group reaction.

4. Define and discuss the relationships between passiveness, assertiveness and aggression (131)

Aggressiveness ? force their ideas to others, demand, call names.

Passiveness ? go along with majority

Assertiveness ? communicating openly with other members as equal.

5. Describe the structuration process whereby member communication creates and maintains the group. (141)

Offensive members might be removed, people can choose to follow the rules of group or not, but there may be unpleasant consequences for members who doesn?t follow group rule. Group always in state of becoming. With communication forms group.

6. Explain the difference between primary and secondary tension in group discussion 144-145

Primary ? interpersonal relationship among members (bareness), self centered competition for power among group.

Secondary ? differences of opinion among members.

7. Explain how group rules and norm develop. 147-148

Rules are developed gradually by pointing out. ?Formal rules?

Norms reflect cultural beliefs of members ?Informal rules?

8. Describe task, maintenance, and self-centered behavioral functions. 155-158

Task ? effect primary the task output of group

Maintenance ? interpersonal relationship in a group

Self-centered ? performer?s unmet needs (blocking)

For ideal group output both are needed: task and maintenance.

9. Explain the five sources of interpersonal influence (power) in a group and how they are involved in small group leadership. 191-192

? Leaders can: I. Reward followers

? II. Punish

? III. Give legitimate power (rank)

? IV. Reflect power. (Example)

? V. Expert power (knowledge)

10. Name and describe seven communicative competencies important for small group leaders 204-205

1. Active communicators ? high verbal communication

2. Good grasp of the group task ? knowledge about task.

3. Skilled in mediating information — help all members focus on goal.

4. Express their opinion provisionally ? hold your opinion until later.

5. Express group-centered concern ? exhibit personal commitment that goal in both words and deeds.

6. Respect others when they speak

7. Share rewards with group.

11. Explain distributed leadership and why it is an appropriate model for small, task-oriented groups. 207-208

Leadership is a property of the group and all members are responsible for effective group leadership.

12. Explain the general procedural model and differentiate the five steps, give examples 261

I. Nature of the problem.

II. What might be done to solve the problem?

III. Benefits and negative consequences of each solution

IV. Solution that can all support.

V. How to put decision in effect.

13. Explain wicked problems in relation to small group processes ~261~

14. Define a problem, list and give examples fir three parts. 253

Discrepancy between what actually is happening and what should be going on.

I. Undesirable present situation (unless someone is dissatisfied, no problem exists)

II. Goal (perception of a problem suggests a goal)

III. Obstacles (anything that interferes with reaching the goal)

15. Explain difference between intuitive and systematic problem solvers 257

Intuitive ? solution without following any procedure.

Systematic ? think their way through logical steps.

16. Differentiate between problem questions and solution questions, giving an example of each 262

Problem questions ? focus on the undesired state of affairs and the goal. Don?t know solution for the problem.

Solution questions ? solution arriving to the goal. Know solution for the problem

17. Define conflict 306

Conflict ? expressed struggle between at least two parties who perceive incompatible goals.

18. Explain causes and consequences of avoidance. 316

Consequences — reduces satisfaction in a group.

Cause ? member who disagrees, but says nothing.

19. Explain groupthink 409

High cohesive group maintain consensus.

20. Differentiate compromise from collaboration 318

Compromise ? each member have to give up something in order to gain something more important.

Collaboration ? negotiating, encourages all parties to a conflict to work together in searching for a solution that meets everyone needs.

Bibliography

roman bond 1980-2001