COM 281
Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices
Beebe & Masterson (6th Edition)  © 2000

FALL 2000
MIDTERM EXAMINATION
STUDY GUIDE



 
Chapter One: Introduction to Communicating in Groups and Teams
  • Define Small Group Communication
  • Discuss the Characteristics of a Team (what is the difference between an aggregate, a group, and a team?)
  • List and Describe the Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Groups
  • Compare and Contrast Primary and Secondary Groups
  • Distinguish Individualistic and Collectivistic Cultures
  • Identify the Four Elements of Competent Small Group Communication
  • Identify Six Task and Three Group Relationship Competencies
Chapter Two: Small Group Communication Theory
  • Describe some of the Central Issues (nature, function, relevance) of Group Communication Theory.
  • Discuss Five General Theories that apply to Small Group Communication.
  • Explain the Constellation Model of Small Group Communication.
  • Identify some of the Components of Small Group Communication.
Chapter Three: Group Formation
  • Discuss two classification systems of interpersonal needs and describe how they relate to group formation.
  • Explain the potential conflict between individual goals and group goals.
  • Suggest ways of establishing mutuality of concern in a work group.
  • Identify and explain four factors that are elements of interpersonal attraction.
  • Identify and describe three factors in group attraction.
  • Facilitate a group’s movement through the initial stages of group formation.
Chapter Four: Relating to Others in Small Groups
  • Describe how an individual develops and defines self concept.
  • Distinguish task, maintenance, and individual roles.
  • Identify several group norms that often develop in small groups.
  • Recognize and adjust to cultural differences in group communication.
  • Explain several effects of status differences on small group communication.
  • Describe how five power bases affect relationships in small groups.
  • Identify factors that foster trusting relationships with others.
  • Apply guidelines for appropriate self-disclosure in small groups.
  • Describe how relationships develop over time among group members. 
Chapter Five: Improving Group Climate
  • Identify behaviors that contribute to a defensive or supportive group climate. 
  • Recognize examples of confirming and disconfirming interpersonal responses. 
  • Explain three types of listening in small groups. 
  • Describe two major barriers to effective listening. 
  • Observe, identify, and describe at least four factors in group cohesiveness. 
  • Explain communication networks and their effects on group climate and individual satisfaction. 
  • Describe the relationships among group size, composition, climate, and productivity. 
  • Communicate in ways that are more likely to improve group climate. 
Chapter Six: Nonverbal Group Dynamics
  • Explain why nonverbal communication is important to the study of groups. 
  • Apply research findings about nonverbal communication to small groups. 
  • Describe how culture and gender differences influence nonverbal communication in groups. 
  • Identify guidelines for interpreting nonverbal communication in small groups. 
The midterm examination will include true/false, multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.  GOOD LUCK!