CMST 230 Exam 1 Study Guide

CMST 230 Exam 1 Study Guide Small group communication is an area of study that is most concerned with what? - Interpersonal interaction What is the ideal size range of a small group? - 5-7 Why can group work be more productive than individual efforts? - Your group has more information than you do, groups stimulate creativity, you remember what you discuss, you are more likely to be satisfied with a decision you help make, you gain a better understanding of yourself Under what conditions is it most appropriate to collaborate? - No time restraints, no expert answers, information is not readily available from research sources, no conflict or contention Which of the answer choices is NOT a factor in interpersonal attraction? - Similarity, complementarity, proximity/contact/interaction, physical attractiveness What is grouphate? - Dislike of working in small groups / dread and repulsion people sometimes feel about working in groups and teams or participating in meetings What does it mean when we say that the members of a small group share an interdependent goal? - They rely on each other to achieve their goal (succeed or fail together) What is the origin of systems theory? - Analysis of living organisms that must maintain a balance with their environment... through continual adaptation and adjustment What is throughput a synonym for? - Process What are the functions of a boundary spanner? - 1) Monitors the environment --- deals with import and export resources (information and support) 2) Responds to the outsiders (they "answer the door" --- like a butler) 3) Changes in temporary or permanent membership (helps make a transition smooth --- they do the legwork) What are the human needs for which small groups are a major source of satisfaction? - •Inclusion and affection (primary - family and friends) •Control and achievement (secondary - task-oriented groups) Based on the information provided, tell me why John joined that small group? - Satisfy interpersonal needs, pursue individual and group goals; may be assigned or elected (voluntarily or mandated), obtain different kinds of rewards (extrinsic or intrinsic) What is virtual small group communication? - consists of three or more people who collaborate from different physical locations, perform interdependent tasks, have shared responsibility for the outcome of the work, and rely on some form of technology to communicate with one another (telephone, email, video) What human needs do primary groups meet for us? - Inclusion and affection What are the three elements of communication competence? - Motivation, knowledge, and skill What is the principle of nonsummativity? - Whole of the system is never exactly equal to the sum of the individual parts What are the functions of a participant-observer? - Participate and observe Do small groups need to meet face to face? - No Going to give you an example of a secondary group, and you are going to match it to the type of secondary group it is - •Activity (sports team, dance team, school club, band, fitness class) •Decision-making (hiring committee, scholarship-review committee) •Problem- solving (curriculum committee, homecoming committee) •Study/learning (Bible study, German club)