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Central States Speech Journal Volume 31, 1980 - Issue 3
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Original Articles

Small group communication research of the 1970's: A synthesis and critique

John F. Cragan Associate Professor of Communication, Illinois State University
&
David W. Wright Associate Professor of Communication, Illinois State University
Pages 197-213 | Published online: 22 May 2009

  • Beckner , Samuel L. 1970 . “Editor's Note” . Speech Monographs , 37 : 211
  • Bormann , Ernest G. 1970 . “The Paradox and Promise of Small Group Research” . Speech Monographs , 37 : 211 – 17 .
  • Gouran , Dennis S. 1970 . “Response to ‘The Paradox and Promise of Small Group Research,’” . Speech Monographs , 37 : 218 – 9 .
  • Gouran , Dennis S. 1973 . “Group Communication: Perspectives and Priorities for Future Research” . Quarterly Journal of Speech , 59 : 22 – 29 .
  • Mortensen , C. David . 1970 . “The Status of Small Group Research” . Quarterly Journal of Speech , 56 : 304 – 09 .
  • Fisher , B. Aubrey . 1971 . “Communication Research and the Task‐Oriented Group” . Journal of Communication , 21 : 136 – 49 .
  • Fisher , B. Aubrey and Hawes , Leonard C. 1971 . “An Interact System Model: Generating a Grounded Theory of Small Groups” . Quarterly Journal of Speech , 57 : 444 – 53 .
  • Dickens , Milton and Heffernan , Marguerito . 1949 . “Experimental Research in Group Discussion” . Quarterly Journal of Speech , 35 : 23 – 29 .
  • Keltner , John . 1961 . “Communication in Discussion and Group Processes: Some Research Trends of the Decade 1950‐59—Part II” . Journal of Communication , 11 : 27 – 33 .
  • Larson , Carl E. 1971 . “Speech Communication Research on Small Groups” . The Speech Teacher , 20 : 89 – 107 .
  • Baird , John E. Jr. 1976 . “Sex Differences in Group Communication: A Review of Relevant Research” . The Speech Teacher , 25 : 179 – 92 .
  • Collins , Barry E. and Guetzkow , Harold . 1964 . A Social Psychology of Group Processes for Decision‐Making , New York : John Wiley and Sons .
  • Shepherd , Clovis R. 1964 . Small Groups: Some Sociological Perspectives , Scranton : Chandler Publishing Company .
  • McGrath , Joseph E. and Altman , Irwin . 1966 . Small Group Research: A Synthesis and Critique of the Field , New York : Holt, Rinehart and Winston .
  • Shaw , Marvin E. 1976 . Group Dynamics: The Psychology of Small Group Behavior, , 2nd ed. , New York : McGraw‐Hill .
  • McBurney , James H. and Hance , Kenneth G. 1939 . The Principles and Methods of Discussion , New York : Harper and Brothers .
  • Barnlund , Dean C. and Hal‐man , Franklyn S. 1960 . The Dynamics of Discussion , Boston : Houghton Mifflin .
  • Gulley , Halbert E. 1960 . Discussion, Conference and Group Process , New York : Holt, Rineahrt and Winston .
  • Bormann , Ernest G. 1970 . “Pedagogic Space: A Strategy for Teaching Discussion” . The Speech Teacher , 19 : 272 – 77 .
  • Bormann . 1969 . Discussion and Group Methods , New York : Harper and Row .
  • Gouran . “Group Communication: Perspectives and Priorities for Future Research” . 23 – 28 .
  • Bormann . “The Paradox and Promise of Small Group Research” . 213
  • Gouran . “Group Communication: Perspectives and Priorities for Future Research” . 28 – 29 .
  • Gouran . “Response to ‘The Paradox and Promise of Small Group Research,’” . 218
  • Bormann . “The Paradox and Promise of Small Group Research” . 215
  • Baird , John E. Jr. 1977 . “Some Nonverbal Elements of Leadership Emergence” . Southern Speech Communication Journal , 42 : 352 – 61 .
  • Bormann , Ernest G. , Pratt , Jerie and Putnam , Linda . 1978 . “Power, Authority and Sex: Male Response to Female Leadership” . Communication Monographs , 45 : 119 – 55 .
  • Downs , Cal W. and Pickett , Terry . 1977 . “An Analysis of the Effect of Nine Leadership Group Compatibility Contingencies Upon Productivity and Member Satisfaction” . Communication Monographs , 44 : 220 – 30 .
  • Gouran , Dennis S. 1970 . “Conceptual and Methodological Approaches to the Study of Leadership” . Central States Speech Journal , 21 : 217 – 23 .
  • Kwal , Teri and Fleshier , Helen . 1973 . “The Influence of Self‐Esteem on Emergent Leadership Patterns” . The Speech Teacher , 22 : 100 – 06 .
  • Larson , Charles U. 1971 . “The Verbal Response of Groups to the Absence or Presence of Leadership” . Speech Monographs , 38 : 177 – 81 .
  • Lashbrook , Velma J. 1975 . “Leadership Emergence and Source Valence: Concepts in Support of Interaction Theory and Measurement” . Human Communication Research , 1 : 308 – 15 .
  • Lumsden , Gay . 1974 . “An Experimental Study of the Effect of Verbal Agreement on Leadership Maintenance in Problem‐Solving Discussion” . Central States Speech Journal , 25 : 270 – 76 .
  • Rosenfeld , Lawrence B. and Fowler , Gene D. 1976 . “Personality, Sex and Leadership Style” . Communication Monographs , 43 : 320 – 24 .
  • Rosenfeld , Lawrence B. and Plax , Timothy G. 1975 . “Personality Determinants of Autocratic and Democratic Leadership” . Speech Monographs , 42 : 203 – 08 .
  • Sargent , James F. and Miller , Gerald R. 1971 . “Some Difference in Certain Communication Behavior of Autocratic and Democratic Group Leaders” . Journal of Communication , 21 : 233 – 52 .
  • Wood , Julia T. 1977 . “Leading in Purposive Discussions: A Study of Adaptive Behavior” . Communication Monographs , 44 : 152 – 65 .
  • Yerby , Janet . 1975 . “Attitude, Task and Sex Composition as Variables Affecting Female Leadership in Small Group Problem‐Solving Groups” . Speech Monographs , 42 : 160 – 68 .
  • Applbaum , Ronald L. and Anatol , Karl . 1971 . “PERT: A Tool for Communication Research Planning” . Journal of Communication , 21 : 368 – 80 .
  • Geier , John G. , Forston , Robert F. and Larson , Charles Urban . 1970 . “Small Group Discussion Versus the Lecture Method: A Study in Individual Decision‐Making” . Western Speech , 34 : 38 – 45 .
  • Giffin , Kim and Bradley , Kendall . 1969 . “Group Counseling for Speech Anxiety: An Approach and Rationale” . Journal of Communication , 19 : 22 – 29 .
  • Jablin , Fredric , Seibold , David R. and Sorenson , Ritch L. 1977 . “Potential Inhibitory Effects of Group Participation on Brainstorming Performance” . Central States Speech Journal , 28 : 113 – 21 .
  • Laison , Carl E. 1969 . “Forms of Analysis and Small Group Problem‐Solving” . Speech Monographs , 36 : 452 – 55 .
  • Larson , Carl E. and Gratz , Robert D. 1970 . “Problem‐Sojving Discussion Training and T‐Group Training: An Experimental Comparison” . The Speech Teacher , 19 : 54 – 57 .
  • Logue , Cal M. 1973 . “Persuasion as an Aspect of Problem Solving” . The Speech Teacher , 22 : 81 – 82 .
  • Mabry , Edward A. and Rossiter , Charles M. Jr. 1975 . “Laboratory Training and Problem‐Solving Groups: Distinctions and Relationships” . Western Speech , 39 : 102 – 11 .
  • Mears , Peter . 1974 . “Structuring Communication in a Working Group” . Journal of Communication , 24 : 71 – 79 .
  • Nelson , William , Petelle , John L. and Monroe , Craig . 1974 . “A Revised Strategy for Idea Generation in Small Group Decision‐Making” . The Speech Teacher , 23 : 191 – 96 .
  • Shuter , Robert . 1975 . “The Alternative Institution: A Small Group Study of Environmental Influence on Sex‐Role Interaction Style” . Today's Speech , 23 : 45 – 50 .
  • Smith , William S. 1971 . “The Contribution of Discussion to the Development of Clinical Method” . Southern Speech Journal , 36 : 267 – 74 .
  • Taylor , Brenda . 1976 . “Utilizing the Forensic Team for Study in Small Group Processes” . Communication Education , 24 : 71 – 73 .
  • Thompson , Wayne N. 1979 . “The Early History of the National Contest in Public Discussion” . Communication Education , 28 : 104 – 09 .
  • Jablin , Fredric M. , Sorenson , Ritch I. and Siebold , David R. 1978 . “Interpersonal Perception and Group Brainstorming Performance” . Communication Quarterly , 26 : 36 – 44 .
  • Philipsen , Gerry , Mulac , Anthony and Dietrich , David . 1979 . “The Effects of Social Interaction on Group Generation of Ideas” . Communication Monographs , 46 : 119 – 25 .
  • Pyke , Sandra W. and Neely , Cathie O. 1970 . “Evaluation of a Group Training Program” . Journal of Communication , 20 : 291 – 304 .
  • Larson . “Speech Communication Research on Small Groups” . 91 – 95 .
  • Barker , Larry L. and Wahlers , Kathy J. 1971 . “A Project to Teach Characteristics and Capabilities of Small Groups” . The Speech Teacher , 20 : 287 – 88 .
  • Bormann , Ernest G. 1970 . “Pedagogic Space: A Strategy for Teaching Discussion” . The Speech Teacher , 19 : 272 – 77 .
  • Downs , Cal W. 1974 . “The Impact of Laboratory Training on Leadership Orientations, Values and Self‐image” . The Speech Teacher , 23 : 197 – 205 .
  • Hazel , Harry Jr. 1976 . “Group Problem Solving and the Historical Example” . Communication Education , 25 : 79 – 81 .
  • Johnson , Fern and Sharf , Barbara . 1976 . “Teaching Conference Methods in a Group Discussion Course” . Communication Education , 25 : 74 – 75 .
  • Knutson , Thomas J. , Wheeless , Lawrence R. and Divers , Larry . 1977 . “Developing Teachable Small Group Communication Behaviors” . Communication Education , 26 : 333 – 37 .
  • Rundle , Al . 1971 . “The Interview Field Trip in Discussion Research” . The Speech Teacher , 20 : 70
  • Runkle , Judith A. 1974 . “A Survey of Small Group Activities Used in Beginning Speech Courses” . Todav's Speech , 22 : 25 – 30 .
  • Shields , Donald C. and Kidd , Virginia . 1973 . “Teaching Through Popular Film: A Small Group Analysis of the Poseidon Adventure” . The Speech Teacher , 22 : 201 – 07 .
  • Shapiro , George L. , Pratt , Jerie M. and Cushman , Paul H. 1978 . “Teaching about Power in Groups: An Experimental Method” . Communication Education , 27 : 220 – 27 .
  • Gordon , William I. 1979 . “Experimental Training: A Comparison of T‐Groups, Tavistock and Est” . Communication Education , 28 : 39 – 48 .
  • Lewis , Michael L. 1979 . “A Report on the Instructional Usage of Proana5: A Computerized Technique for the Analysis of Group Interaction” . Communication Education , 28 : 72 – 75 .
  • Gouran , Dennis G. 1969 . “Variables Related to Consensus in Group Discussion of Questions of Policy” . Speech Monographs , 36 : 387 – 91 .
  • Gouran , Dennis S. 1968 . “Variables Related to Consensus Discussions of Questions of Policy” . University of Iowa . Diss.
  • Leathers , Dale G. 1969 . “Process, Disruption and Measurement in Small Group Communication” . Quarterly Journal of Speech , 55 : 287 – 300 .
  • 1970 . “The Process Effects of Trust‐Destroying Behavior in the Small Group” . Speech Monographs , 37 : 180 – 87 .
  • 1971 . “The Feedback Rating Instrument: A New Means of Evaluating Discussion” . Central States Speech Journal , 22 : 32 – 42 .
  • 1979 . “The Informational Potential of the Nonverbal and Verbal Components of Feedback Responses” . The Southern Speech Communication Journal , 44 : 331 – 54 .
  • Fisher , B. Aubrey . 1970 . “Decision Emergence: Phases in Group Decision‐Making” . Speech Monographs , 37 : 53 – 66 .
  • Crowell , Laura and Scheidel , Thomas M. 1961 . “Categories for Analysis of Idea Development in Discussion Groups” . Journal of Social Psychology , 54 : 155 – 68 .
  • 1964 . “Idea Development in Small Discussion Groups” . Quarterly Journal of Speech , 50 : 140 – 45 .
  • Fisher , B. Aubrey . 1970 . “The Process of Decision Modification in Small Discussion Groups” . Journal of Communication , 20 : 51 – 54 .
  • Valentine , Kristin B. and Fisher , B. Aubrey . 1974 . “An Interaction Analysis of Verbal Innovative Deviance in Small Groups” . Speech Monographs , 41 : 413 – 20 .
  • Ellis , Donald G. and Fisher , B. Aubrey . 1975 . “Phases of Conflict in Small Group Development: A Markov Analysis” . Human Communication Research , 1 : 195 – 212 .
  • Stech , Ernest L. 1970 . “An Analysis of Interaction Structure in the Discussion of a Ranking Task” . Speech Monographs , 37 : 249 – 56 .
  • Saine , Thomas and Bock , Douglas G. 1973 . “A Comparison of the Distributional and Sequential Structures of Interaction in High and Low Consensus Groups” . Central States Speech Journal , 24 : 125 – 30 .
  • 1973 . “The Effects of Reward Criteria on the Structure of Interaction in Problem‐Solving Groups” . Southern Speech Communication Journal , 39 : 55 – 62 .
  • Saine , Thomas J. , Schulman , Linda S. and Emerson , Laura C. 1974 . “The Effects of Group Size on the Structure of Interaction in Problem‐Solving Groups” . Southern Speech Communication Journal , 39 : 333 – 45 .
  • Bodaken , Edward M. , Lashbrook , William B. and Champagne , Marie . 1971 . “PROANA5: A Computerized Technique for the Analysis of Small Group Interaction” . Western Speech , 35 : 112 – 15 .
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  • Bostrom , Robert N. 1970 . “Patterns of Communicative Interaction in Small Groups” . Speech Monographs , 37 : 257 – 63 .
  • 1971 . “The Development of an Instrument for Measuring Interaction Behavior in Small Groups” . Speech Monographs , 38 : 335 – 40 .
  • Sorensen , Gail and McCroskey , James C. 1977 . “The Prediction of Interaction Behavior in Small Groups: Zero History vs. Intact Groups” . Communication Monographs , 44 : 73 – 80 .
  • Gouran , Dennis S. and Baird , John E. Jr. 1972 . “An Analysis of Distributional and Sequential Structure in Problem‐Solving and Informal Group Discussions” . Speech Monographs , 39 : 18 – 22 .
  • Stech , Ernest L. and Goldberg , Alvin A. 1972 . “Sampling Discussion Group Interaction” . Speech Monographs , 39 : 312 – 14 .
  • Baird , John E. Jr. 1974 . “A Comparison of Distributional and Sequential Structure in Cooperative and Competitive Group Discussion” . Speech Monographs , 41 : 226 – 32 .
  • Gouran , Dennis S. and Geonetta , Sam C. 1977 . “Patterns of Interaction as a Function of the Degree of Leadership Centralized in Decision‐Making Groups” . Central States Speech Journal , 28 : 47 – 53 .
  • Burgeon , Judee K. 1977 . “Unwillingness to Communicate as a Predictor of Small Group Discussion Behaviors and Evaluations” . Central States Speech Journal , 28 : 122 – 33 .
  • Chesebro , James W. , Cragan , John F. and McCullough , Patricia . 1973 . “The Small Group Technique of the Radical Revolutionary: A Synthetic Study of Consciousness Raising” . Speech Monographs , 40 : 136 – 46 .
  • Cowell , Catherine R. 1972 . “Group Process as Metaphor” . Journal of Communication , 22 : 113 – 23 .
  • Sharf , Barbara F. 1978 . “A Rhetorical Analysis of Leadership Emergence in Small Groups” . Communication Monographs , 45 : 156 – 72 .
  • Mabry , Edward A. 1975 . “An Instrument for Assessing Content Themes in Group Interaction” . Communication Monographs , 42 : 291 – 97 .
  • 1975 . “Exploratory Analysis of a Developmental Model for Task‐Oriented Small Groups” . Human Communication Research , 2 : 66 – 74 .
  • 1975 . “A Sequential Structure of Interaction in Encounter Groups” . Human Communication Research , 1 : 302 – 07 .
  • Lustig , Myron W. and Grove , Theodore G. 1975 . “Interaction Analysis of Small Problem‐Solving Groups Containing Reticent and Non‐Reticent Members” . Western Speech , 39 : 155 – 61 .
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  • Knutson , Thomas J. 1972 . “An Experimental Study of the Effects of Orientation Behavior on Small Group Consensus” . Speech Monographs , 39 : 159 – 65 .
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