Rev 12-28-07

Psy 3311, Small Group Process                                      Spring 2004

Professor Peter A. Keller 407 South Hall

Hours: Mon 1:30-3:00 p.m.; Tue 11:00 a.m.-noon & 2:00-3:00 p.m.; Wed 1:30-3:00 p.m. Phone 570.662.4772

Link To: Weekly Assignments & Exam Schedule       Handouts & Course Information

Course Description: The course is designed to introduce both theoretical concepts and practical information concerning the way small social groups function in a variety of settings. We will study the following areas: norms and roles, status and power dynamics, communication, developmental stages, conflict management, diversity and group process, productivity, leadership, decision making, and team functioning.

All of these topics will be applied to build an understanding of various types of small groups. Our goal will be to help you develop many of the skills necessary to identify different characteristics that small groups exhibit, and to be able to understand how these characteristics improve or hinder group effectiveness, including your own behavior in small groups.

In addition to brief lectures, videos, and discussions, much of our class time will be used as a human relations laboratory. This will include various communication exercises, role-playing, and simulations of group activities. Because this is a course that demands high involvement, your attendance at all scheduled classes is expected. An unexcused absence could interfere with the ability of the class to function and will affect your point total for the course.

Course Outcomes: When you successfully complete this course, you should be able to:

Observe and describe clearly and accurately the interaction process in a small group.

• Describe and assess your own behaviors in small group situations.
• Describe the many factors that influence group process and differentiate those likely to enhance or hinder effective communication and goal accomplishment among group members.
• Plan and lead a brief discussion group based on an agenda that you prepare.
• Describe the critical characteristics of various kinds of small groups, including self-help groups, workplace teams, and focus groups.

Text: Burn, S. M. (2004). Groups: Theory and Practice. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning.

Evaluation: Your grade for this course will be determined by your point totals based on the following assignments.

 Four (4) essay examinations based on class discussions and the contents of the 12 chapters in your text book. A study guide with specific objectives will help you prepare for the examinations. Each exam will contain four essay questions, mostly derived from the study guide objectives. If you miss an examination for any reason, it can be made up during the last regular class meeting or the final exam session for the course. If you would like to improve your score on any single examination, it may also be retaken at this time. Each exam is worth a maximum of 40 points. Answers on the exams will be graded globally: For an individual question, 10 points = a complete discussion of the question that is clearly written with the topic critically examined. An example will be provided in class.

Note: Please provide me with 4 blank blue books for your essay answers by the second session of our class.

• Optional Paper. A 10-12 page library-based research paper. For psychology majors, the paper should be suitable for your psychology portfolio. If you are a transfer student who has not had an opportunity to build your portfolio, this paper provides you will Choose one of the following topics:

• Effective Leadership in Groups
• Team Building in the Workplace
• Self-Help Groups
• Group Counseling (May be targeted at a specific population or problem)
• Focus Groups as an Applied Research Method

Each of the above describes only a broad area for the paper and you will need to refine the topic further with your instructor's consultation. Alternate topics will be considered if you have a compelling reason to address another area of interest to you. The paper is due on April 14^th and must be written using APA style. The maximum number of points available on the paper is 40.

• Simulated Focus Group Meeting. All class members will plan and lead a brief (about 15 minutes) focus group made up of your fellow students. You will be expected to prepare an agenda for the meeting and a brief (about 4-5 pages) report of the results. Focus groups may be video taped in class. Detailed instructions will be provided several weeks in advance of the assignment. Some students choose to include this report in their portfolio as an example of a research report. The maximum number of points available on the focus group meeting is 40.

• Final Report. A required final group observation report (5-10 pages) based on your description of a group simulation observed in class. This report that you prepare out of class constitutes our take-home final examination. Some students choose to include this in their portfolio as an example of a critical thinking paper. The maximum number of points available on this report is 40.

• Class Participation: A participation bonus of up to 10 points may be added to your final point total if I observe that you have a high level of thoughtful and positive contributions to the class discussions and group simulation activities.

• Class Attendance: 10 points will be deducted for each unexcused absence.

• Grades: A maximum of 280 points can be obtained if the optional paper is completed. A chart illustrating grades relative to points is included below.

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