CMST 2064 : Fall 2013 MT Study Guide
Document Summary
Explain the five characteristics of small groups: small number of people (no more than 12-15 people, shared purpose/common goal. Interdependence: each group member is affected and influenced by the actions of other members, psychological bond, the way the group members are able to identify with each other, insiders vs. outsiders. Know the difference between primary and secondary groups; know examples for each. 3 parts of a system: input, resources that come from outside of the system. Ripple effect: the idea that behaviors cause a chain reaction across the entire system. Negative synergy: when the group together produces more negative results, shared ignorance, ex: gangs. These theories help us accomplish goals: understand the social exchange theory cost/rewards, comparison level, comparison levels of alternatives. If they aren"t acting themselves we do things to try to understand: acting differently so we"re motivated to decrease this uncertainty.
