Deck 4: Group Dynamics: Goals and Norms

Question 1

When establishing group goals, it is generally most effective if the _______ are set first, and efforts are made to state them in operational and measurable terms.

A)short-term objectives
B)instrumental goals
C)personal goals
D)long-range goals

Answer 1

D

Question 2

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.

A)nominal
B)maintenance
C)cooperative
D)competitive

Answer 2

A

Question 3

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

A)bear
B)clown
C)withholder
D)eager beaver

Answer 3

D

Question 4

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

A)operational goal.
B)nonoperational goal.
C)hidden agenda.
D)competitive task.

Question 5

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.

Question 6

A hidden agenda is when a group member tells other group members about an important topic he/she wants to bring up in group.

Question 7

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)

A)operational goal.
B)nonoperational goal.
C)hidden agenda.
D)competitive task.

Question 8

A member's commitment to a group goal depends on many factors, one of which is

A)the cost of the group.
B)how likely it appears the group can accomplish the goal.
C)the age of the group leader.
D)the length of the group.

Question 9

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

A)heterogeneous
B)homogeneous
C)homilized
D)indocile

Question 10

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

A)A cooperative group atmosphere results when the personal goals of group members are perceived to be compatible, identical, or complementary.
B)In a highly cooperative group, a member can achieve a goal only if the other group members fail to obtain their goals.
C)Competition promotes effective communication, trust, and cohesion among group members.
D)All of these are correct.

Question 11

A competitive group atmosphere is usually productive.

Question 12

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

Question 13

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)autokinetic effect.
B)theory of social comparison.
C)rightness evaluation.
D)conformity theory.

Question 14

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)Vent their anger and unhappiness in disruptive ways.
B)Refuse to come, which has certain consequences.
C)Remain silent and listen to what others have to say.
D)None of these are correct.

Question 15

Research has found groups have a better chance to be effective when

A)the goals are viewed as out of reach and have a high risk of failure.
B)there is high competition among group members.
C)both personal and group goals can be attained by the same activities and tasks.
D)All of these are correct.

Question 16

S. E. Asch's studies on conformity found that approximately ____ of the subjects conformed to the group judgment.

A)one-seventh
B)one fifth
C)one-third
D)one-half

Question 17

When confronting a disruptive group member, the leader should

A)always address the behavior with other group members present.
B)seek to fully and assertively express concerns in a nonblaming way.
C)dismiss the disruptive member from the group after one warning.
D)remember that confrontation always stops the behavior.

Question 18

Akio conducted a classic study of conforming behavior. In his experiment, subjects in a darkened room were asked to judge how far a dot of light moved, even though the light did not actually move at all. This is called the _______ of conformity.

A)light experiment
B)autokinetic effect
C)consistent example
D)group pressure hypothesis

Question 19

Which of the following statements is true of group norms?

A)They are rules that are accepted by a majority of the members of the group.
B)They do not exist in all groups.
C)They are always set formally by the group.
D)They are always written down in a formal document establishing the group/organization.

Question 20

If the personal goals of the group are homogeneous, members are more apt to agree on group goals, to work together toward achieving those goals, and to be happier with the group.

Question 21

Unwilling group members can display counterproductive behavior. Discuss three ways a leader can handle disruptive behavior, and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Question 22

A nominal group is a group in which individuals work in the presence of others but do not verbally interact.

Question 23

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

Question 24

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.

Question 25

A group leader should always confront a member in private about his or her disruptive behavior.

Question 26

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.

Question 27

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

Question 28

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

Question 29

Conformity means yielding to group pressure.

Question 30

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

Question 31

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

Question 32

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

Question 33

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