The major points to look for in the film are listed below. Most
students have found that the
best way to prepare for the test is to view the film with these issues
in mind, take notes and
then meet to study with their groups. Groups are very effective
at identifying specific
questions and answers for the general topic areas listed below.
In most cases you will also
do much better if you see the movie more than once. Points to
watch for include:
1. Examples of specific small group interaction which can be analyzed
according to the criteria for
small group competence (Chapter 1) and the components outlined
in Beebe and Masterson's
Constellation Model (Chapter 2; pp. 45-47).
2. Application of one of the five general theories discussed in Chapter
2 to analyze and explain the
group communication process occurring in 12 angry men (HINT:
I will specify the theory in the final
exam so you should familiarize yourself with all five theories).
3. Explain the conflict between individual goals and group goals (Chapter
3) by providing specific
examples from the film 12 angry men.
4. Identify group norms as well as task, maintenance, and individual
roles (Chapter 4) that develop
during the small group discussion in 12 angry men. (Provide specific
examples from the film) (HINT:
Refer to question 1 regarding the Constellation Model).
5. Provide examples from the film 12 angry men which explain how status
differences and power
(Chapter 4) affect relationships in the group. (HINT: You may
choose to focus on strategies
employed by Juror #8 (Davis) to influence other jurors).
6. Describe the communication networks and their effects on group climate
and individual
satisfaction. Does climate effect productivity? In your discussion
identify and describe group
cohesiveness and behaviors that contribute to a defensive as well as
a supportive (Chapter 5)
climate in the film 12 angry men.
7. Interpret the importance of nonverbal communication in the film 12
angry men using the guidelines
established by Beebe and Masterson in Chapter 6 (pp. 158-162). (HINT:
You might include
information relative to Juror #9, the switchblade discussion, or the
eyeglasses discussion).
8. Discuss obstacles to quality group decision making and how these
obstacles were overcome (pp.
185-187) by the 12 angry men. Be specific by analyzing how facts,
examples, opinions, and
statistics were employed in the film 12 angry men (Chapter 7).
Were they used appropriately?
9. Explain and analyze the small group problem-solving techniques employed
by the small group
members in the film 12 angry men (Chapter 8) (HINT: Review the reflective
thinking process,
ideal-solution, brainstorming, and single-question approaches).
10. Apply techniques for managing conflict and reaching consensus in
the film 12 angry men (Chapter
9; pp. 268-274) (HINT: Identify specific examples of strategies for
managing the different types of
conflict as well as potential reasons for groupthink occurring during
the small group discussion in the
film).
11. Analyze the small group discussion in terms of leadership (Chapter
10) by determining which
leadership behaviors did (or would have) moved the group toward its
goal. (HINT: Include an
explanation of the relationship between situational variables and the
effectiveness of different
leadership styles--e.g., the foreman, Juror #8, etc.).
12. List and describe the characteristics, skills, and strategies employed
by Juror #8 (Davis) in his
attempts to develop an effective team capable of reaching a consensus.
(HINT: Refer to Chapter
11).
13. Identify and discuss (using specific examples from the film) how
cultural differences effected the
small group discussion in 12 angry men. How would the communication
dynamics have been
different if the jury was more diverse or consisted of all women?
(HINT: Refer to Chapters 1, 4, 6,
and 9; pages 19-20, 155-157, 253-256 for specific information regarding
cultural differences).
The following list of characters is being provided to be used
as we view the film 12 angry
men.
Cast of Characters
Juror #1 Foreman...........................................................................Martin Balsam
Juror #2 Little bald man with glasses................................................John Fiedler
Juror #3 Antagonist (picture of son who left)....................................Lee J. Cobb
Juror #4 Driven by logic and evidence .............................................E. G. Marshall
Juror #5 Raised in a bad neighborhood ............................................Jack Klugman
Juror #6 (non-descript).....................................................................Edward Binns
Juror #7 Wears a hat (wants to go to baseball game).........................Jack Warden
Juror #8 "Davis" (architect)...............................................................Henry Fonda
Juror #9 "McCartle"(Old gentleman; first to change his mind).............Joseph Sweeney
Juror #10 Biggot (extremely prejudice)..............................................Ed Begley
Juror #11 Foreigner (watch maker)...................................................Feorge Voskovec
Juror #12 Salesman (works for ad agency)........................................Robert Webber
IMPORTANT NOTE: The test is open-book so be sure to bring your materials
including
this study guide, your notes, and the handouts from each of the group
workshops to the final
comprehensive exam.