Exam 4: Group Dynamics: Goals and Norms

The effectiveness and efficiency of a group and its procedures can be measured by the extent to which goals are achieved.

It is impossible for a member to expend all their idiosyncrasy credits in a group.

Sometime during the life of a group, one or more members may struggle with the leader for control.

Schacter's studies demonstrate that in the absence of objective, nonsocial means of evaluation, a person will rely on other people as comparative points of reference. He called this belief the

A ______ group is a group in which individuals work in the presence of others but do not verbally interact. The prime objective of this type of group is to identify the needs of the consumer group in order to develop a program that effectively serves them.

Research on the merits of the nominal group approach suggests that it is slightly less effective than brainstorming.

A social worker in a residential treatment program for adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral problems has been asked to develop a stress management group. After thorough pre-planning, the social worker convenes a group of five teens. In an essay, describe how the social worker might use the nominal group approach to facilitate the development of group goals. Give three examples of operational goals that might be developed.

Which of the following is (are)true regarding competition versus cooperation in groups?

The statement "Each member of this class will be able to describe the difference between personal and group goals" is an example of a(n)

When conflicts arise in groups that do not have measurable and operational goals, there is no logical way to determine whose view has higher payoffs. As a result, the conflict is not likely to be resolved.

When involuntary clients are forced to attend a group they do not want to attend, which of the following are they most likely to do?

A disruptive group member whose behavior is characterized by complaining without taking action to resolve the problem is called a shirker.

Conformity means yielding to group pressure.

When members have ______ personal goals, hidden agendas are more likely to develop.

The statement "Everyone in this class will learn how to cure all emotional and behavioral problems" is an example of a(n)

If norms are not enforced, they will lose their effectiveness, and a new norm may begin to emerge.

Conformity research has shown that group pressure influences behavior. Discuss two examples from the class/textbook that support this conclusion.

A(n)_______ is a group member who volunteers to do crucial tasks but has little intention of completing them.

Autocratic leadership discourages commitment, is less satisfying to members, and may lead to disruptive behavior.

Research has shown that many people will not yield to group pressure when the attitudes and opinions of the group differ from the attitudes and opinions that are personally significant to them.