The Effects of Verbal Aggressiveness and Argumentativeness Communication Traits
on Exclusive Social Group Cohesion

Christopher Scales

Western Connecticut State University

 

     In terms of studying small group communication special emphasis has been focused on group cohesion (Carron & Brawley, 2000). Many different academic fields, such as sociology, psychology, and communications, have examined cohesion in-groups (Carron & Brawly, 2000). There has been interest with the study of small groups in regards to why cohesion exists in these groups and what communication behaviors that reinforces cohesion (Anderson & Martin, 2000). Communication behavior such as argumentativeness can have a positive correlation with group cohesion while verbal aggressiveness can have negative effect on group cohesion (Kassing & Avtgis, 1999). This research applies the theory of relational communication. Relational communication in group refers to the verbal and nonverbal messages that create the social fabric of a group by promoting relationships between and among group members (Barker et. Al. 2000.).  The purpose behind focusing on small exclusive group is to see if high cohesion exists in these groups and if so what type of communication behaviors are involved.  

 

Literature Review

     Before looking at the main focus of relational communication and groups, it is important to understand how groups form. There are all sorts of reasons why small social groups form and then reform. However, for this research it is important to have a working definition and understanding of what consists of a small group. A small group can be characterized as,

1) A small number of people that interact and are aware of each other, 2) share a mutually interdependent purpose, 3) each person has a sense of belonging and membership, identifying with others in the group, 4) oral interaction, 5) and behavior is based on norms, values and procedures accepted by all members. (Trenholm, 1986).

 

It is possible to have a collection of people, such as student protesters, and not have a group. If the protesters organized set up rules for protesting, and communicated regularly, then you would by all means have a group. People join groups for many different reasons, such as to satisfy the need to belong, for identity, or for a social outlet. It is impossible not to be in a group (Trenholm, 1986).

 There are many different theories about why people join groups. The most common theories are Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory and Shultz’s Theory of Interpersonal Needs. Festinger’s theory states people join groups in order to evaluate their own abilities and opinions, while Shultz’s theory argues that interpersonal needs are filled by joining groups because it helps establishing identity through association with others (Tenholm, 1986). People join groups for all sorts of reasons; the important question is once they join a group, what makes them stay with the group?            Relational communication can be applied to understanding social group communication (Barker et al., 2000). The point of applying relational communication theory to groups is to examine how the individuals of a group interact with one another to promote cohesion within the group, not how communication is used in a group to achieve a certain task. Relational communication gets to the point of interpersonal communication in a group. It is to understand the intention in groups: cooperation, connection, autonomy, similarity, flexibility, cohesion/withdrawal, harmony/conflict, stereotyping, and stigmatization. (Barker et al., 2000) behavior (Anderson & Martin, 2000).

Most current research applies the relational communication theory to understand the decision making process. There has been a new push in relational communication research to understand that relational messages influence other aspects group interaction and affects group dynamics based on their communication traits (Barker et al., 2000) and behavior (Anderson & Martin, 2000). In other words, understanding relational communication in exclusive groups is to understand the behavior of the communicator and the impact of their message on other individuals as well as the whole group. Negative messages in a group atmosphere can have a detrimental impact on group cohesion (Kassing & Avtgis, 1999).  Overall, relational theory for groups is only one aspect of studying small group communication.

      There are many factors that hold groups together, such as having common focus, identity, and experiences, (Lawler, 2000) and the most important element that holds a group together is cohesion. (Carron & Brawly, 2000). There are many definition of the word ‘’cohesion’’. The definition for cohesion for this study will come from the Communication Handbook: Cohesion: The property of togetherness. As applied to group communication situations, it refers to the mutual attractiveness among members, a measure of the extent to which individual members of a group work together as a group (DeVito, 1986,p 58).

 Almost any type of group, whether it be a work group, religious group, or social group, will have some amount of cohesion regardless of the motivation behind the group. (Carron & Brawly, 2000). The need to belong is a fundamental human motive for the foundation of social bonds (Carron & Brawley, 2000).  Cohesion is formed because there is a common basis for individuals joining that specific group. Cohesion is the main element that binds one individual to another because it makes the group members feel good about themselves and brings about unity within the group. Joint social activities generate positive emotions or feelings. (Lawler, 2000).

It has to be noted that the studies of cohesion can vary depending in what type of group being studied. Cohesion in groups that form for a specific task will have high cohesion at the beginning but once that group has completed that task it might not have any cohesion (Carron & Brawly, 2000).  The cohesion will end because the purpose of the group’s formation has ended. However, the cohesion with long standing social groups is very different from task orientated groups. People join social to be associated with an entity and for interpersonal needs (Burgoon, Heston, & McCroskey, 1974). The reason for this is that humans need to communicate with other humans. One of the most important outcomes of face to face communication is the improvement of social relations in social groups (Burgoon, Heston, & McCroskey, 1974). For example, middle-aged men join the Knights of Columbus because of its community service work they perform together, as well for a social outlet. Long-standing social groups have life cycles that the group will undergo while members move in and out of the organization (Carron & Brawly, 2000).

Thus, new membership can affect the group cohesion.  This change in attitude can be explained with the uncertainly reduction theory (Lawler, 2000). When the group members communicate with the new members information gaps will be filled through the these interactions. This process is best described by Moreland and Levine’s process of group interaction (Tenholm, 1986). The new member will go through three phases for socialization in the group, which are evaluation, commitment, and role transition (Tenholm, 1986).  But once when socialization occurs, group cohesion can increase. If the group experiences positive social events this will lead to strong commitment to the group thus strengthening its cohesion. Satisfaction with events in the group can lead to positive communication, which will bolster cohesion.  This cycle also can have a negative affect on the social group cohesion. If new members are not properly socialized this can lead to negative feelings in the group which can lead to an emotional down or disappointment (Lawler, 2000) this can lead to the erosion of cohesion with in the group. This let down can lead to negative communication, which will affect the relational communication within the group. This leads us to ask how different forms of group communication can have positive or negative impact on the cohesion of that group.

     Satisfaction and group cohesion are formed by relational communication within in a group (Barker et al., 2000). The communication can take on different tones and meanings, which can create positive or negative feelings within in the group (Lawler, 2000). Specific contexts and forms of communication affect relational communication in groups. (Barker et al., 2000). This study will examine argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness within on going social groups. Many researchers have studied this area of group cohesion and relational communication research (Anderson & Martin, 2000). The purpose of this type of study is to understand the behaviors and the communication related to those behaviors. Argumentativeness and aggressiveness are not only applied to the study of cohesion and communication in social groups, but cohesion and communication in groups has been used to investigate the communication of employees (Kassing & Avtgis, 1999), sports teams (Shields, 1997) and international organizations (O’Conner, 1993).

It is important to address the different types of communication within social group because of the impact it can have on social group’s sense of satisfaction. Interpersonal communication affects the attitude of the group and its outcomes (O’ Conner, 1993). For the purpose of this research, verbal aggressiveness and argumentativeness will be examined in a long-term exclusive college social group. In related research, there has been positive correlation between argumentativeness and high group cohesion and communication competence in analytical groups. Members of groups view the other members in a positive light when members are able to argue issues sensibly and intelligently (Anderson & Martin 2000). The ability to argue is also viewed as a leadership quality. (Shields, 1997).  High argumentative individual were perceived by others as leaders and were rated as more influential in decision making. (Shultz, 1982). Argumentativeness also cuts down on bias decision-making and groupthink (Anderson & Martin, 2000).

A related field is verbal aggressiveness. Verbal aggressiveness is viewed a negative attribute within groups. Verbal aggressiveness, according to the Communication Handbook, can be defined as behavior designed to advance one’s own goals without concern or regard for any harm done to others (DeVito, 1986,p 9). Individuals who exhibit verbal aggressive traits while communicating within their social group tend to be viewed as anti-social and unwanted (Anderson & Martin, 2000). Relational communication in highly cohesive groups tends to be productive within a group because it allows its members to constructively communicate with the group but if there is verbal aggressiveness present within the group it can lead to a reduction of communication because of personal attacks by the aggressor. Research has made links between verbal aggressiveness and low communication comprehension (Anderson & Martin, 1999). Verbal aggression can be broken down into four main area of dysfunction: 1. Psychopathology (attacking for other unresolved issues), 2. Disdain (expressing hate thought verbal attacks), 3. Social learning, and 4. argumentative skill deficiency (Kessing & Avtgis, 1999). With this in mind, aggressive communication within a group can erode the cohesion of the group. If cohesion is eroded and the group members are not being satisfied with the outcome of communication of the group, it could lead to less or no interaction with that social group (Anderson & Martin, 2000). 

Overall there are various methods to study this new emphasis on communication behaviors for small social groups. The Group Evaluation Questionnaire will be formatted from its original purpose of studying cohesion of sports team (Carron & Brawly, 2000) to studying small social group cohesion. Another tool that will be employed is the Argumentativeness Scale from DeVito’s Communication Handbook. The research conducted so far has not directly examined exclusive small group relation communication and cohesion when dealing with argumentativeness and verbal aggression.

 

 

Method

 

To test for agrumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness communication traits as well as small group cohesion, an exclusive small social group that has been well established at Western Connecticut State University for over ten years volunteered. This group is a community minded social group that meets on a regular weekly basis. They are predominately white and from middle to upper class background.

     In order to test for the effects of argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness on small exclusive groups, the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) was reformatted with permission from Dr. Carron to apply to this group. The Small Group Socialization Scale (SGSS) and DeVito’s Argumentativeness Scale were used to measure these communication trait members at the end of the year. All three test were administered twice to 7 males that are in an exclusive group at Western Connecticut State University. Following the first test, the GEQ and the SGSS will be administered once more to the same group to compare data samples. There was no attempt to provoke aggressive behavior during the group meetings. The purpose of this is to get an accurate reading of group cohesion as well as to test the reformation of the GEQ for small exclusive social groups.

 

Results

 

     The goal of this research was to see if there was a positive correlation between agrumentativeness communication traits and small group cohesion. With DeVito’s Argumentativeness Scale, the group showed positive results of those communication traits. The group averaged occasionally true to mostly true meaning that each member was not afraid to argue with other group members. The group as a whole does not argue With the questions that dealt with avoiding arguments, the group scored between 1 and 2, meaning that the group members have the ability to engage another member in debate over a controversial issue.

With the SGSS, the members mainly scored between 4 and 5. This shows that the group had cohesion through socialization. The SGSS showed that the group members understood the group process and showed a high inter-dependency level. This is clear because of the questions that dealt with emotional support and what was expected of the group member reported the highest averages from the test. The overall average for the members surveyed is 3.50. This means that the group has cohesion.

     With the Group Environment Questionnaire, the group also showed positive results. The questionnaire had 12 negative questions and 6 positive questions. With the negative question the group averaged 3.27. With the positive question the group averaged 6.81. The overall average of the GEQ was a 4.79. The GEQ proves that the group has a high rate of cohesion and the highest rate question was For me, this group is one of the most important social groups that I belong to. the rating was 8.21 out of 9. 

 

Discussion

In reviewing the results from the three tests that were administered to the exclusive social group, there is a high amount of cohesion among its members. The Argumentativeness Test was administered to see if the exclusive group had those traits and if so how high or low were those traits. The group did in fact have those argumentative communication behaviors and that the test also shows the those traits were high. This leads to the question of Does argumentativeness lead to cohesion? (Anderson & Martin, 2000). Anderson and Martin stipulate that arguementativeness does not have a high correlation with small group cohesion, but with the SGSS and the GEQ test show that the exclusive group does in fact have high correlation. Satisfaction is found with groups that can effectively argue instead of using verbal aggression. (Anderson & Martin, 2000). Anderson and Martin (2000), also state that these traits have not yet been fully studied. The test group did in fact encourage arguing over controversial issues at their meetings.

          With keeping in mind of the results of the Argumentativeness Test, the SGSS did in fact provide results that were comparable with this research. A group that has high socialization will also show high group communication dynamics giving the group satisfaction. (Riddle et al., 2000). If the group is able to effectively argue and bring about a sense of satisfaction it will also affect the group cohesion. (Riddle, et al., 2000) In this case of social exclusive group it was found through the SGSS that the group did have a high rate which can be linked to argumentativeness and cohesion due to its socialization.        The most interesting results out of this research came from the reformatting of Carron’s Group Environment Questionnaire. Carron suggested that the GEQ be reformatted for further research of group cohesion. (2000). The GEQ can have broad applications beyond cohesion of sports teams. (Carron & Brawly, 2000). The results of the reformatted GEQ, it can be used to measure the cohesion of exclusive social groups. In this case all the questions of the survey were retained and the only modification to the survey was changing the word team to group. Overall the survey did in fact give an accurate measure of cohesion for the exclusive social group. For further research the GEQ should be modified for other related groups.

          When studying small groups, one of the most important focus should be group cohesion (Carron & Brawly, 2000) and relational communication. (Barker et al., 2000). It is important to understand how and why, though communication, the group sustains cohesion without being task oriented. (Carron and Brawley, 2000). The important aspect of this research is to understand the levels of cohesion in certain types of groups. This research has highlighted that exclusive small social groups on a college level have cohesion because of the communication traits. A question that can be examined in future research could be Does education level correlate with cohesion levels of an exclusive social group? The main conclusion is that cohesion does in fact exist in exclusive groups and that the GEQ is one useful tool in order to test for cohesion.

In conclusion, the GEQ should be used to measure many different types of social groups. This test for cohesion on exclusive social groups using the GEQ, SGSS, and the Argumentativeness Scale should be repeated using a large number participants as well as over an expanding the period of time to at least a year. By doing so, it will further validate this test.        

             

References

Anderson C., Martin, M. (1999). The relationship of

     argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness to

     cohesion, consensus, and satisfaction in small

     Group. Communication Reports, 12, 21-32.

Barker, V. et al. (2000). New contexts for relational

     communication in groups. Small Group Research,

     31, 470-504.

Burgoon,M., Heston, J., McCroskey, J. (1974). Small

     Group Communication: a Functional Approach.

     New York, NY: Holt.

Carron, A., Brawley,L. (2000). Cohesion. Small Group

     Research, 31, 89-107.

DeVito, J. (1986). The Communication Handbook. New York,NY:

     Harper & Row.

Kassing, J., Avtgis,T. (1999). Examining the relationship

     between organizational dissent and aggressive

     communication. Management Communication Quarterly,

     13, 100-116.

Lawler,E. (2000). Emotion and group cohesion in productive

     exchange. American Journal of Sociology, 106,p.616-648.

O’Conner, K. (1993). The experience and effect of conflict

     in continuing work groups. Small Group Research, 31,

     362-383.

Riddle, B. et al. (2000). Small group socialization scale.

     Small Group Research, 31, 554-573.

Sheilds, D. (1997). The relationship between leadership

     behavior and group cohesion in team sports.

     Journal of Psychology, 131, p.196-203.

Trenholm, S. (1986). Human Communication Theory.

     Englewood, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group Environment Questionnaire

By Bert Carron

Reformatted by Chris Scales

 

 

 

This questionnaire is designed to assess your perceptions of your social group. There are no right or wrong answers so please give immediate reaction. Some of the questions may seem repetitive but please answer ALL questions. Your candid responses are very important to us. Your responses will be kept in strict confidence. Neither your president nor anyone other than the researcher will see your responses.

 

The following questions are designed to assess your feelings about YOUR PERSONAL INVOLVMENT with this social group. Please CIRCLE a number from

1 to 9 to indicate your level of agreement with each of the statements.

 

1.     I do not enjoy being a part of the social activities of the group.

1    2         3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                        Strongly Agree

 

2.     I am not happy about the time I have to spend in meetings.

 

1    2         3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

3.     I am not going to miss the group members at the end of the year.

 

1    2         3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                  Strongly Agree

 

 

4.     I am unhappy with the group’s level of desire for success.

1      2        3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                  Strongly Agree

 

 

 

5.     Some of my best friends are in this group.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

6.     This group does not give me enough opportunities to improve my personal performance.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

7.     I enjoy other parties more than group parties.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

8.     I do not like the social interaction of this group.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

9.     For me, this group is one of the most important social groups to which I belong.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

The following questions are designed to assess your perception of YOUR GROUP AS A WHOLE.  Please CIRCLE number from 1 to 9 that best indicates your level of agreement with each of the statements.

 

 

10.  Our group is united in trying to reach its goal for performance.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

11.  Members of our group would rather go out on their own than get together as a group.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

12.  We will take responsibility for any loss or poor performance by our team.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

13.  Our group members rarely party together.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

14.  Our group members have conflicting aspirations for the group’s performance.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

15.  Our group would like to spend time together over the summer months.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

16.  If members of our group have problems, everyone wants to help them.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

17.  Members of our group do not stick together outside of meetings and group events.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

18.  Members of our group do not communicate about each other’s responsibility during meetings or parties.

1    2          3          4          5          6          7          8          9         

Strongly Disagree                                                    Strongly Agree

 

 

Small Group Socialization Scale

 

Directions: 1. For strongly disagree, 2. For somewhat disagree, 3. Don’t know,

4. Somewhat agree, 5. Strongly agree.

 

1.     I understand what was appropriate dress for group meetings. 1 2 3 4 5

2.     I understood the authority the group had for doing its work. 1 2 3 4 5

3.     I did not see myself as an effective member. 1 2 3 4 5

4.     I understand the “group talk” the group used to do its work. 1 2 3 4 5

5.     I found someone in the group who could provide me with emotional support.

1 2 3 4 5

6.     It was clear what was expected of me in this group. 1 2 3 4 5

7.     I found someone in the group whom I could talk to about career plans. 1 2 3 4 5

8.     It was not alt all clear what was expected of me in this group. 1 2 3 4 5

9.     I found someone in the group who could help me adjust to the group. 1 2 3 4 5

10.  I depend on the other group members for support in the group. 1 2 3 4 5

11.  I found someone in the group on whom I could depend on for support. 1 2 3 4 5

12.  I had no clear idea of what this group was to accomplish. 1 2 3 4 5

13.  I found someone in the group with whom I could discuss personal matters.

1 2 3 4 5

14.  There was no one in the group on whom I depend on for support

1 2 3 4 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Argumentativeness Scale

 

 

Directions: Place a 1. For Almost Never True 2. For Rarely True, 3 For Occasionally True,  4. For Often True, 5. For Always True.

1.     Arguing over controversial issues improves my intelligence. 1 2 3 4 5

2.     I enjoy avoiding arguments. 1 2 3 4 5

3.     I am energetic and enthusiastic when I argue. 1 2 3 4 5

4.     Once I finish an argument I promise myself that I will not get into another. 1 2 3 4 5

5.     Arguing with a person creates more problems for me than it solves. 1 2 3 4 5

6.     I have a pleasant, good feeling when I win a point in an argument. 1 2 3 4 5

7.     When I finish arguing with someone I feel nervous and upset. 1 2 3 4 5

8.     I enjoy a good argument over a controversial issue. 1 2 3 4 5

9.     I get an unpleasant feeling when I realize I am about to get into an argument.1 2 3 4 5

10.  I enjoy defending my point of view on an issue. 1 2 3 4 5

11.  I am happy when I keep an argument from happening. 1 2 3 4 5

12.  I do not like to miss the opportunity to argue a controversial issue. 1 2 3 4 5

13.  I prefer being with a person who rarely disagrees with me. 1 2 3 4 5

14.  I consider an argument an exciting intellectual challenge. 1 2 3 4 5

15.  I find myself unable to think of effective points during an argument. 1 2 3 4 5

16.  I feel refreshed and satisfied after an argument on a controversial issue. 1 2 3 4 5

17.  I have the ability to do well in an argument. 1 2 3 4 5

18.  I try to avoid getting into arguments. 1 2 3 4 5

19.  I feel excitement when I expect that a controversial argument I am in is leading to an argument. 1 2 3 4 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group Enviorment Questionnaire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member1

Member2

Member 3

Member 4

Member 5

Member 6

Member 7

 

 

1.I do not enjoy being a part of this group

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test 1

1

2

2

1

1

3

1

1.571429

 

Test 2

4

3

2

6

2

1

3

3

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.285714

 

2. I am not happy about the time I have to spend with this group.

 

 

 

 

Test 1

2

4

2

7

1

1

1

2.571429

 

Test 2

4

4

7

4

1

1

2

3.285714

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.928571

 

3. I am not going to miss the group members at the end of the year.

 

 

 

Test 1

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

1.428571

 

Test 2

2

9

3

8

1

1

1

3.571429

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

4. I am unhappy with the group's level of desire for success.

 

 

 

 

Test 1

6

2

6

4

1

6

3

4

 

Test 2

8

6

6

7

6

4

3

5.714286

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.857143

 

5. Some of my best friends are in this group.

 

 

 

 

 

Test 1

8

1

9

9

9

8

9

7.571429

 

Test 2

8

1

9

7

9

9

9

7.428571

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.5

 

6. This group does not give me enough opportunities to improve my personal performance.

 

Test 1

6

3

6

3

1

4

2

3.571429

 

Test 2

8

5

4

7

2

2

2

4.285714

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.928571

 

7. I enjoy other parties more than group parties.

 

 

 

 

 

Test 1

3

2

2

3

1

3

1

2.142857

 

Test 2

5

5

4

2

2

2

3

3.285714

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.714286

 

8. I do not like the social interaction of this group.

 

 

 

 

 

Test 1

6

2

2

2

6

3

1

3.142857

 

Test 2

6

7

4

2

2

3

3

3.857143

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.5

 

9. For me, this group is one of the most important social groups to which I belong.

 

 

Test 1

7

6

9

9

9

9

9

8.285714

 

Test 2

8

4

9

9

9

9

9

8.142857

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.214286

 

10. Our group is united in trying to reach its goal for performance.

 

 

 

Test 1

5

8

6

6

9

7

9

7.142857

 

Test 2

3

7

6

7

3

6

5

5.285714

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.214286

 

11. Members of our group would rather go out on their own than get together.

 

 

Test 1

5

2

5

4

3

4

2

3.571429

 

Test 2

7

6

4

7

6

4

6

5.714286

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.642857

 

12. We will take responsibility for any loss or poor performance by our group.

 

 

Test 1

5

9

7

7

9

7

9

7.571429

 

Test 2

3

7

7

7

5

7

7

6.142857

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.857143

 

13. Our group members rarely party together.

 

 

 

 

 

Test 1

6

2

1

4

1

4

2

2.857143

 

Test 2

6

3

1

2

3

3

3

3

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.928571

 

14. Our group members have conflicting aspirations for the group performance.

 

 

Test 1

3

6

6

7

5

7

2

5.142857

 

Test 2

8

5

6

5

4

7

6

5.857143

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.5

 

15. Our group would like to spend time together over the summer months.

 

 

 

Test 1

6

4

7

9

9

6

8

7

 

Test 2

7

6

7

2

7

6

4

5.571429

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.285714

 

16. If members of our group have problems, everone wants to help them.

 

 

 

Test 1

5

8

7

5

9

7

9

7.142857

 

Test 2

4

6

5

6

1

7

4

4.714286

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.928571

 

17. Members of our group do not stick together outside of the meetings and group events.

 

Test 1

4

2

6

1

6

3

2

3.428571

 

Test 2

7

4

6

1

3

7

3

4.428571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.928571

 

18. Members of our group do not communicate about each other's responsibility during meetings.

 

Test 1

5

1

6

7

9

6

2

5.142857

 

Test 2

7

3

6

6

6

5

5

5.428571

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.285714

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Average

4.777778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small Group Socialization Scale

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. I understand what was appropriate dress for group meetings

 

 

Averages

Test 1

5

3

5

5

5

5

4

4.571429

Test 2

5

4

5

5

5

5

5

4.857143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.714286

2. I understood the authortiy the group had for doing its work.

 

 

 

 

2

4

4

5

4

5

5

4.142857

 

1

3

4

5

4

5

5

3.857143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

3. I did not see myself as an effective group member.

 

 

 

 

 

2

1

1

1

4

2

2

1.857143

 

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.428571

4 I understand the "group talk" the group used to do its work.

 

 

 

 

4

5

3

5

3

4

4

4

 

5

5

5

4

5

4

4

4.571429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.285714

5. I found someone in  the group who could provide me with emotional support.

 

 

5

4

4

3

5

5

5

4.428571

 

4

4

4

5

5

4

5

4.428571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.428571

6. It was clear what was expected of me in this group.

 

 

 

 

 

5

5

4

5

5

5

5

4.857143

 

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.928571

7. I found someone in the group with whom I could talk about career plans.

 

 

 

5

2

4

3

4

5

5

4

 

5

2

4

3

5

5

5

4.142857

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.071429

8. It was not at all clear what was expected of me in this group.

 

 

 

 

1

2

1

3

2

2

2

1.857143

 

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

1.285714

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.571429

9. I found someone in the group who could help me adjust to the group.

 

 

 

5

4

3

3

4

4

5

4

 

4

5

3

3

5

5

4

4.142857

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.071429

10. I depend on the other group members for support in the group.

 

 

 

4

3

5

3

5

5

5

4.285714

 

5

4

3

4

5

4

5

4.285714

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. I found someone in the group on whom I could depend on for support.

 

 

 

5

3

4

2

5

5

5

4.142857

 

4

5

4

4

5

4

5

4.142857

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.142857

12. I had no clear idea of what this group was to accomplish.

 

 

 

 

1

2

2

1

1

2

1

1.428571

 

2

2

3

1

1

1

1

1.571429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

13. I found someone in the group with whom I could discuss personal matters.

 

 

5

5

5

3

5

4

4

4.428571

 

5

5

5

4

5

5

5

4.857143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.642857

14. There was no one in the group on whom I could depend on for support.

 

 

Test 1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Test 2

2

1

1

3

1

1

1

1.428571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.214286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Average

3.501742

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Argumentativeness Scale