Lecture 1
A swarm of bees in the shape of a human
You can never speak of a swarm of human beings because a swarm refers to animals. If Cameron does
speak of a swarm, they dehumanize the refugees.
A collection of people is a group
No matter how old, culturally diverse or large the group of people is. A collection of people of people
is always a group.
This lecture
1. Introduction to the course
2. What is a group?
3. Why is it relevant to study groups?
4. How to study groups?
5. Prep next lecture.
Group definition
Two or more individuals who are connected by and within social relationships.
- Dyad = group of two
- Triad = group of three
- Unlike a mere collection of people, members of a group need to be socially connected. Not
always a clear-cut distinction
Group size
- A group can range from 2 to many thousands of people
- The majority of groups consists of 2-7 people
- Group size influences the nature of the group in several ways
- Research public places: majority 60-/70-% people were in a group of 2
Relationships (memberships)
The larger the group, the more relationships are required to sustain it.
- n (n - 1) / 2
- where n is the number of people in the group
- Relationships don’t have to be bidirectional
Social relationships (memberships)
It is important to realise relationships can be different in nature, strength and
direction.
For example:
- Romantic
- Kinship (family)
- Task related
- Friendship
Group characteristics
1. Interaction
a) relationship and task interactions between members
a) Is it a groups where people interact on a daily basis or once a week? If everybody
interacting with everybody or not? (football supporter)
2. Goals
a) groups facilitate the achievement of desired goals
A swarm of bees in the shape of a human
You can never speak of a swarm of human beings because a swarm refers to animals. If Cameron does
speak of a swarm, they dehumanize the refugees.
A collection of people is a group
No matter how old, culturally diverse or large the group of people is. A collection of people of people
is always a group.
This lecture
1. Introduction to the course
2. What is a group?
3. Why is it relevant to study groups?
4. How to study groups?
5. Prep next lecture.
Group definition
Two or more individuals who are connected by and within social relationships.
- Dyad = group of two
- Triad = group of three
- Unlike a mere collection of people, members of a group need to be socially connected. Not
always a clear-cut distinction
Group size
- A group can range from 2 to many thousands of people
- The majority of groups consists of 2-7 people
- Group size influences the nature of the group in several ways
- Research public places: majority 60-/70-% people were in a group of 2
Relationships (memberships)
The larger the group, the more relationships are required to sustain it.
- n (n - 1) / 2
- where n is the number of people in the group
- Relationships don’t have to be bidirectional
Social relationships (memberships)
It is important to realise relationships can be different in nature, strength and
direction.
For example:
- Romantic
- Kinship (family)
- Task related
- Friendship
Group characteristics
1. Interaction
a) relationship and task interactions between members
a) Is it a groups where people interact on a daily basis or once a week? If everybody
interacting with everybody or not? (football supporter)
2. Goals
a) groups facilitate the achievement of desired goals
