CMSP 105 Fall 2026-27 Cooperative Exam
STUDY GUIDE: EXAM #1 (Chapters 1-4) 2
• What is the definition of a group? How is a group different
from interpersonal communication and public speaking? What
are some qualitative differences between a dyad and a group?
A group is a human communication system composed of three or
more individuals, interacting for the achievement of some
common goal(s), who influence and are influenced by each
other.
A group is different from interpersonal communication because
interpersonal communication generally only includes two
people, or a dyad. In a dyad, communication is far less complex
than it is in a group because groups require a complex network
of communication transactions in order to function.
Furthermore, coalition formation and majority-minority
influence occur in groups, not dyads.
A group is different from public speaking because, in public
speaking, the speaker and the audience are clearly indicated
and the speaking situation is generally more formal than it is in
groups. Verbal feedback is normally delayed at public speaking
events, but is generally immediate in group discussion. Public
speakers may prepare in advance and speak from notes or
manuscripts, but group members don’t generally make formal
preparations for group discussions.
,• Explain what a system is and how it relates to small groups.
What is input, output, and throughput? What is entropy?
What is the ripple effect? What is group synergy and how is it
created in groups? Deep diversity? Negative synergy? Dynamic
equilibrium? Equifinality? Boundary control? Structuration
theory?
A system is a set of interconnected parts working together to
form a whole in the context of a changing environment. A group
is composed of individual members interrelating with each other
as a whole entity, not as individual parts operating in isolation
from each other.
Input: Resources that come from outside the system, such as
energy, information, people, and environmental influences.
Output: The continual results of the group’s throughput
(transformation of input). Decisions made, solutions to
problems created and implemented, projects completed, group
procedures modified, team member cohesiveness enhanced,
member relationships improved…
Throughput: The process of transforming input into output to
keep the system functioning.
Entropy: A measure of a system’s movement toward
disorganization and eventual termination. All living systems
combat entropy with input.
Ripple effect: In a system, one part can have a significant impact
on the whole. A chain reaction that spreads across the entire
system.
Synergy occurs when group performance from joint action of
members exceeds expectations based on perceived abilities and
skills of individual members. Synergy is produced in primarily
three ways. First, when group members are highly motivated to
achieve a common goal, synergy may occur. Second, synergy is
produced from group effort, not individual, independent effort.
Third, groups whose members have deep diversity have greater
, potential to produce synergy than groups with little such
diversity.
Deep diversity: Substantial variation among members in task-
relevant skills, knowledge, abilities, values, beliefs, perspectives,
and problem-solving strategies. Negative synergy: When group
members working together produce a worse result than
expected based on perceived individual skills and abilities of
members.
Dynamic equilibrium: The range in which systems can manage
change effectively to promote growth and success without
destroying the system with too much instability. Equifinality:
Groups with a similar or identical final goal may reach that end in
highly diverse ways.
Boundary control: Boundaries regulate input and consequent
exposure to change in a system. When groups establish
boundaries, they regulate the degree, rate, even the desirability
of change.
Structuration theory: A system, such as a small group,
establishes structures for discussion and problem solving in the
form of rules, roles, norms, and power distribution. These
structures are used to permit the system to function effectively
and to sustain itself. They also constrain the process.
STUDY GUIDE: EXAM #1 (Chapters 1-4) 2
• What is the definition of a group? How is a group different
from interpersonal communication and public speaking? What
are some qualitative differences between a dyad and a group?
A group is a human communication system composed of three or
more individuals, interacting for the achievement of some
common goal(s), who influence and are influenced by each
other.
A group is different from interpersonal communication because
interpersonal communication generally only includes two
people, or a dyad. In a dyad, communication is far less complex
than it is in a group because groups require a complex network
of communication transactions in order to function.
Furthermore, coalition formation and majority-minority
influence occur in groups, not dyads.
A group is different from public speaking because, in public
speaking, the speaker and the audience are clearly indicated
and the speaking situation is generally more formal than it is in
groups. Verbal feedback is normally delayed at public speaking
events, but is generally immediate in group discussion. Public
speakers may prepare in advance and speak from notes or
manuscripts, but group members don’t generally make formal
preparations for group discussions.
,• Explain what a system is and how it relates to small groups.
What is input, output, and throughput? What is entropy?
What is the ripple effect? What is group synergy and how is it
created in groups? Deep diversity? Negative synergy? Dynamic
equilibrium? Equifinality? Boundary control? Structuration
theory?
A system is a set of interconnected parts working together to
form a whole in the context of a changing environment. A group
is composed of individual members interrelating with each other
as a whole entity, not as individual parts operating in isolation
from each other.
Input: Resources that come from outside the system, such as
energy, information, people, and environmental influences.
Output: The continual results of the group’s throughput
(transformation of input). Decisions made, solutions to
problems created and implemented, projects completed, group
procedures modified, team member cohesiveness enhanced,
member relationships improved…
Throughput: The process of transforming input into output to
keep the system functioning.
Entropy: A measure of a system’s movement toward
disorganization and eventual termination. All living systems
combat entropy with input.
Ripple effect: In a system, one part can have a significant impact
on the whole. A chain reaction that spreads across the entire
system.
Synergy occurs when group performance from joint action of
members exceeds expectations based on perceived abilities and
skills of individual members. Synergy is produced in primarily
three ways. First, when group members are highly motivated to
achieve a common goal, synergy may occur. Second, synergy is
produced from group effort, not individual, independent effort.
Third, groups whose members have deep diversity have greater
, potential to produce synergy than groups with little such
diversity.
Deep diversity: Substantial variation among members in task-
relevant skills, knowledge, abilities, values, beliefs, perspectives,
and problem-solving strategies. Negative synergy: When group
members working together produce a worse result than
expected based on perceived individual skills and abilities of
members.
Dynamic equilibrium: The range in which systems can manage
change effectively to promote growth and success without
destroying the system with too much instability. Equifinality:
Groups with a similar or identical final goal may reach that end in
highly diverse ways.
Boundary control: Boundaries regulate input and consequent
exposure to change in a system. When groups establish
boundaries, they regulate the degree, rate, even the desirability
of change.
Structuration theory: A system, such as a small group,
establishes structures for discussion and problem solving in the
form of rules, roles, norms, and power distribution. These
structures are used to permit the system to function effectively
and to sustain itself. They also constrain the process.
