Chapter 9 Communicating in Small Groups 9.1 Multiple Choice Questions 1) Communication that involves a small number of people who share a common goal or objective and interact is known as a) public. b) small-group. c) intrapersonal. d) dyadic. Answer: b Rationale: Small-group communication involves a small number of people (usually between three to 12 individuals) who share a common purpose or goal. It allows for interaction and discussion among group members, leading to the achievement of the group's objectives. 2) While explaining her new idea at a meeting, Katie noticed Ted and Jasmine were nodding their heads up and down, smiling, and leaning forward. Ted and Jasmine’s ____________ was an effective way to communicate their feelings, and encouraged Katie to continue describing her thoughts. a) nonverbal participation b) chronemics c) questions d) verbal communication Answer: a Rationale: Nonverbal participation refers to communication without words, such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures. In this scenario, Ted and Jasmine's nonverbal cues indicated their positive reception to Katie's idea, encouraging her to continue. 3) Although a group wants to reach a consensus, they do not want to do so to the point that they stop critically analyzing ideas. They want to avoid a) groupthink. b) emergence. c) reinforcement. d) conflict. Answer: a Rationale: Groupthink occurs when a group prioritizes consensus and cohesion over critical thinking, often leading to flawed decision-making. In this case, the group wants to avoid this by ensuring that critical analysis of ideas continues, even as they work towards consensus. 4) For the past 20 years during football season, Scott, Jay, Jason, and Bob have been meeting at Bob’s house to watch Monday Night Football. Which type of group do these men belong to? a) Problem solving b) Personal growth c) Social d) Knowledge-gaining Answer: c Rationale: The group's primary purpose is social in nature, as they gather for a shared recreational activity. While other types of groups may also form social bonds, the main activity or purpose of the group distinguishes them. 5) The League of Women Voters, the library’s book club, a photography class, and a selfdefense group are formed to help the members learn; these are examples of what type of group? a) Knowledge-gaining b) Personal growth c) Social d) Task-oriented Answer: a Rationale: These groups are focused on acquiring knowledge or skills, which is the primary goal of knowledge-gaining groups. The other options focus on different purposes or activities. 6) Each member of a group has a set of expected behaviors they must follow whether they are a friend, a parent, a supervisor, or a student. This is the group member’s a) task. b) role. c) norm. d) place. Answer: b Rationale: A role refers to the expected behaviors, responsibilities, and functions associated with a particular position or status within a group. It defines how individuals are expected to behave based on their position within the group. 7) The _____ phase of a small group discussion is a time for establishing a comfortable communication climate and becoming familiar with the topic. a) conflict b) emergence c) orientation d) reinforcement Answer: c Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial stage of a small group discussion where members get to know each other, establish rapport, and familiarize themselves with the topic or task at hand. This sets the foundation for effective communication and collaboration. 8) Emmalee, Greg, April, and Jorge put in long hours on their small group project. Although disagreements occurred when they first started to meet, as the weeks went by, they began to work together with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. The members of this group demonstrated a) consensus. b) cohesiveness. c) commitment. d) closure. Answer: b Rationale: Group cohesiveness refers to the degree of closeness and solidarity among group members. In this scenario, the group's ability to work together with enthusiasm despite initial disagreements demonstrates their cohesiveness. 9) When a member of the group dominates the discussion, using ________ can maintain your involvement, refocus the group’s attention, or provide direction for a discussion that has strayed from the main point, and draw other members of the group into the discussion. a) statements b) exclamations c) interjections d) questions Answer: d Rationale: Asking questions can help maintain involvement in the discussion, refocus attention, provide direction, and encourage participation from other group members. It can also help steer the discussion back to the main point if it has strayed. 10) We fulfill task roles when we a) speak for a special group or organization that best fits our own biases. b) are more interested in ourselves than in the overall welfare of the group. c) are concerned about other people’s feelings, creating a positive communication climate, and solving or mediating conflicts. d) are concerned about meeting the group’s goal or objective. Answer: d Rationale: Task roles refer to behaviors that help a group achieve its goals or objectives. Individuals fulfilling task roles focus on the group's purpose and work towards accomplishing the tasks at hand, rather than prioritizing personal interests or biases. 11) Julie and Aaron have a son with Autism. They joined a support group that meets once a month to discuss the difficulties of raising a special-needs child. It is a comfort to Julie and Aaron to be able to share their feelings with others in their situation, and they find that by attending these meetings, they feel less stress and more hopeful. What type of group does this describe? a) Personal growth b) Problem solving c) Social d) Knowledge-gaining Answer: a Rationale: This describes a personal growth group, which provides support and a forum for individuals facing similar challenges to share their feelings, experiences, and coping strategies. Members often find emotional support, stress relief, and a sense of hope through such groups. 12) We play ________ when we are concerned about other people’s feelings, creating a positive communication climate, and solving or mediating conflicts. a) maintenance roles b) individual roles c) leadership roles d) task roles Answer: a Rationale: Maintenance roles are behaviors within a group that focus on creating and maintaining a positive group atmosphere. They involve actions that promote harmony, support, and cooperation among group members, such as expressing empathy, mediating conflicts, and fostering a positive communication climate. 13) At group meetings, Nick is often sarcastic and uses inappropriate humor. What role is Nick playing? a) Maintenance role b) Individual role c) Leadership role d) Task role Answer: b Rationale: Nick is playing an individual role, which refers to behaviors that serve the individual's needs or interests rather than the group's goals. His behavior may disrupt group cohesion and effectiveness, as it does not contribute positively to the group's objectives. 14) Joy and her group are working hard on their small group project, but they are frustrated by Jessie, who always arrives late and unprepared for group meetings. This behavior violates which two group communication variables? a) Arrangement and norms b) Norms and roles c) Arrangement and commitment d) Commitment and norms Answer: d Rationale: Jessie's behavior violates the norms of the group (expectations regarding punctuality and preparation) and the commitment variable (dedication to the group's goals and responsibilities). This can lead to frustration and hinder the group's progress. 15) Aara, Seamus, Mateo, and Trecie were anxious to reach a decision about what communication concept they would use for their interpersonal movie analysis. Their gradual shift toward reaching a consensus is common in the __________ phase. a) reinforcement b) conflict c) orientation d) emergence Answer: d Rationale: The emergence phase is characterized by group members gradually shifting towards reaching a consensus or decision. It often involves the exploration and discussion of various ideas and perspectives before settling on a common approach or solution. 16) When we are thinking about placements like sitting in rows, around a conference table, or on the floors and couches in someone’s living room, we are considering the group’s what? a) Arrangement b) Role c) Norms d) Cohesiveness Answer: a Rationale: Group arrangement refers to the physical positioning of group members during meetings or interactions. It can impact communication dynamics, participation levels, and the overall group atmosphere. 17) A _____ group comes together to answer a question or provide a solution to a problem. a) social b) personal growth c) knowledge-gaining d) task-oriented Answer: d Rationale: A task-oriented group is focused on achieving a specific goal or objective, such as answering a question or solving a problem. Members collaborate to accomplish the task at hand, and the group disbands once the goal is achieved. 18) Now that the Young Republicans group has noticed that their earlier dissent about how to best get out the youth vote theme has all but vanished, they are much more positive and able to show support for each other. They have reached the __________ phase of small-group discussion. a) orientation b) reinforcement c) emergence d) conflict Answer: b Rationale: The reinforcement phase of small-group discussion is characterized by increased positivity, support, and cohesion among group members. It occurs after a decision or consensus has been reached, leading to a sense of accomplishment and unity within the group. 19) The phase of small group decision-making that is characterized by disagreements and tension over opposing ideas is called the a) emergence phase. b) orientation phase. c) conflict phase. d) argument phase. Answer: c Rationale: The conflict phase of small group decision-making is characterized by disagreements, tension, and conflicting ideas among group members. It is a natural part of the decisionmaking process as different perspectives are considered and debated. 20) Playgroup officially begins at 9:00 a.m. but all the group members know not to show up until 9:15 a.m. because the group leader won’t be there on time to open up the doors. Arriving late is this group’s rule, also known as a a) role. b) blocker. c) norm. d) phase. Answer: c Rationale: A norm is an established, customary behavior or rule within a group that guides the behavior of its members. In this case, the norm is for group members to arrive late because the group leader is consistently late in opening the doors. 9.2 Short Answer Questions 1) Three neighbors meet every Saturday morning to attend a French dessert-making class. They enjoy gathering together to experience new things. What type of group is this? Answer: knowledge-gaining group 2) List the four phases of the decision-making process of a small group. Answer: 1. Orientation 2. Conflict 3. Emergence 4. Reinforcement 3) ________ groups come together to answer a question or provide a solution to a problem. Answer: Task-oriented 4) Becky is content to go along with the suggestions that other group members make. What maintenance role is Becky fulfilling? Answer: Follower 5) What verbal technique can be used to maintain involvement in the discussion, focus attention, draw quiet members into the discussion, and clarify whether members are in agreement or disagreement? Answer: Asking questions 6) Although nothing was ever mentioned to her about proper attire, Marisa knows that it is inappropriate to wear jeans to her committee meetings. This rule about clothing is an example of ________. Answer: norms 7) Information seekers, opinion seekers, and recorders are group members who have taken on _____ roles Answer: task 8) Amy is the group member who is most concerned about other people’s feelings. She works hard to create a positive communication climate, and often solves or mediates conflicts among the other group members. Amy is filling a ________ role. Answer: maintenance 9) ________ is the illusion of consensus among the group members. The members begin to believe that they are “invincible” and that any decision made by the group will be a good one. Answer: Groupthink 10) Before the meeting, Ahmed placed all the desks in a semi-circle, and put nameplates where he wanted each member of the group to sit. This physical placement of the individuals within the group is called ________. Answer: arrangement 9.3 True/False Questions 1) Amber was so upset that her group rejected her idea that she decided not to say another word. She crossed her arms, put her head down, and did not look at anybody. Amber stopped communicating during the meeting. Answer: False Rationale: While Amber may have temporarily stopped verbal communication, her body language and actions still communicate a message. Communication can occur through nonverbal cues, such as posture and facial expressions. 2) Personal growth groups come together specifically to learn or gain knowledge about new things. Answer: False Rationale: Personal growth groups focus on personal development, self-awareness, and interpersonal relationships rather than acquiring new knowledge or skills. 3) Pat, Heather, Siobhan, and Anne meet once a week for a step aerobics class after work and then go out afterward for a drink. This is an example of a social group. Answer: True Rationale: A social group is formed for the purpose of socializing, engaging in recreational activities, and building relationships. In this scenario, the group meets for a fitness class and socializes afterward, fitting the definition of a social group. 4) Problem-solving groups are also called task-oriented groups. Answer: True Rationale: Problem-solving groups focus on addressing specific issues, challenges, or tasks. They are oriented toward achieving a particular goal or solving a problem, hence the term "taskoriented." 5) Norms are “openly expressed” rules for behavior, whereas roles are “implied” rules for behavior. Answer: False Rationale: Norms are implied rules for behavior that guide group members' actions, while roles are explicitly defined expectations for how individuals should behave within a group. 6) Task roles are also called individual roles. Answer: False Rationale: Task roles are specific roles within a group that focus on achieving the group's goals or objectives. Individual roles, on the other hand, refer to behaviors that serve individual rather than group interests. 7) The dynamics of small-group communication match both dyadic and public communication. Answer: False Rationale: Small-group communication involves a small number of people interacting to achieve a common goal. While it shares some similarities with both dyadic (one-on-one) and public (large audience) communication, it has its own distinct dynamics due to the group size and purpose. 8) Maintenance roles deal with the relationships of the group, whereas task roles deal with meeting the group’s goals or objectives. Answer: True Rationale: Maintenance roles focus on building and maintaining positive relationships within the group, while task roles are concerned with accomplishing the group's objectives. Both types of roles are important for effective group functioning. 9) Although small-group communication retains some spontaneity of interpersonal communication, it has the added pressure associated with interacting in public. Answer: True Rationale: Small-group communication involves interacting with others in a more structured setting than interpersonal communication, as there is a specific goal or objective to achieve. This can create pressure to perform and communicate effectively, similar to public speaking. 10) A cohesive group works together as a unit, to solve problems, reach goals, or accomplish a specified task. Answer: True Rationale: Cohesive groups are characterized by a strong sense of unity, cooperation, and solidarity among members. They work together effectively to achieve common goals or tasks. 11) At the first meeting, the members all enthusiastically talked about great restaurants and favorite television shows. These safe topics take place during the emergence phase. Answer: False Rationale: The emergence phase of group development is focused on establishing a comfortable communication climate and becoming familiar with the topic or task at hand. While discussing safe topics like restaurants and TV shows may occur early in group formation, it is not necessarily part of the emergence phase, which is more about initial interaction and orientation. 12) A group member, troubled by dissent, can shift attitudes to resigned acceptance during the emergence phase. Answer: True Rationale: The emergence phase is a period of uncertainty and testing boundaries within a group. It is possible for a member to shift from initial dissent to resigned acceptance as the group dynamics and norms become clearer. 13) Norms and roles are the same variable affecting small-group communication because they identify a member by a title. Answer: False Rationale: Norms and roles are distinct concepts in small-group communication. Norms are the unwritten rules or standards of behavior that guide group interactions, while roles are the expected behaviors or functions of individuals within the group. While both are important for group communication, they serve different functions and are not the same variable. 14) Nodding our heads in agreement or shaking our heads in disagreement during group meetings is considered nonverbal participation. Answer: True Rationale: Nonverbal participation includes gestures, facial expressions, and body language that convey messages without using words. Nodding or shaking our heads is a form of nonverbal communication that indicates agreement or disagreement, respectively. 15) Julie, Sue, Jane, and Erin are very active PTO members. They not only attend the general meetings, they serve on the Fun Fair and the Box Top committees. They look forward to all these gatherings because they know that afterwards, they will go out together for dinner and dancing. These PTO members fit in only the task-oriented group because groups can fit into only one category. Answer: False Rationale: Groups can serve multiple functions and fulfill different needs for their members. In this scenario, the PTO members are involved in both task-oriented (committees) and social (going out for dinner and dancing) aspects of the group, demonstrating that groups can have multiple dimensions and fulfill various roles for their members. 9.4 Matching Questions For the questions that follow, match the word or phrase with its meaning. a) The role we play when our concern lies with self rather than group welfare b) Focus on the individual and his/her own well-being c) Come together to learn or experience new things d) Focus on the individual and his/her well-being e) The motivation of members to meet their goals f) Focus on the individual and his/her personal well-being g) A demonstrated sense of purpose h) Physical placement of individuals within the group i) Interact with others on an informal basis and to maintain interpersonal relationships j) The role we play when we deal with the relationships within the group k) Rules that dictate behavior l) The role we play when our concern focuses on meeting the group’s goal or objective 1) Arrangement 2) Cohesiveness 3) Commitment 4) Knowledge-gaining groups 5) Norms 6) Personal growth groups 7) Maintenance roles 8) Task roles 9) Individual roles 10) Social groups Answers: 1) h 2) g 3) e 4) c 5) k 6) f 7) j 8) l 9) a 10) i 9.5 Essay Questions 1) Four different types of groups are described in our text. List each of the four groups and then provide a personal example of each type. Answer: Students should define the four following group types: Knowledge-gaining groups come together to learn or experience new things (cooking class). Personal growth groups focus on the individual and his or her personal well-being (PX90 class). Social groups come together to interact with others on an informal basis and to maintain interpersonal relationships (sorority or fraternity friends). Problem solving or taskoriented groups come together to answer a question or provide a solution to a problem (student government food drive committee). 2) Explain the four phases of discussion that a small group goes through to reach a decision. Answer: The first phase of a small group discussion is the orientation phase. During this phase, group members establish a comfortable communication climate with each other and become familiar with the topic. The second phase is the conflict phase. At this stage, disagreements and tension begin to surface between group members. Emergence, the third phase of a discussion, occurs when there is a gradual shift toward an apparent decision. Finally, the reinforcement phase occurs when consensus is achieved and dissent all but vanishes. 3) What purpose do questions serve in a small-group discussion? Answer: Questions serve many purposes: 1) They maintain your involvement in the group discussion; 2) they can refocus the group’s attention or provide direction for a discussion that has strayed from the main points; and 3) they can be used to draw other group members into the discussion, especially quiet members. 4) What are roles? Name the three types of roles we play within the group dynamic, and describe when we play each role. Answer: Roles are a set of expected behaviors each member of the group must follow. (1) Task roles: We play task roles when we are concerned about meeting the group’s goal or objective. (2) Maintenance roles: We play a maintenance role when we are concerned about other people’s feelings, creating a positive communication climate, and solving or mediating conflicts. (3) Individual roles: We play individual roles when we are more interested in ourselves than in the overall welfare of the group. 5) What is a virtual group or team? What is one advantage of working in virtual groups? Answer: A virtual group or team is, “a group of people who work interdependently with a shared purpose across space, time, and organizational boundaries using technology (Lipnack & Stamps, 2000). The virtual team’s primary focus is completing a task or solving a problem using email, videoconferencing, Wikis, Google Docs, and faxes to communicate with one another. One advantage of working in virtual groups is it allows people to do business internationally. It enables people to learn to work with people of other cultures. Test Bank for Communication: Embracing Difference Daniel M. Dunn, Lisa J. Goodnight 9780205943661, 9780205865635, 9781269602877
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