Deck 9: Communicating in Small Groups

Question 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 1

B

Question 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 2

A

Question 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 3

A

Question 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

Question 5

The League of Women Voters, the library's book club, a photography class, and a self-defense 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

Question 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.

Question 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

Question 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.

Question 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

Question 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.

Question 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

Question 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

Question 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

Question 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

Question 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

Question 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

Question 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

Question 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

A) orientation
B) reinforcement
C) emergence
D) conflict

Question 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.

Question 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

Question 21

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?

Question 22

List the four phases of the decision-making process of a small group.

Question 23

________ groups come together to answer a question or provide a solution to a problem.

Question 24

Becky is content to go along with the suggestions that other group members make. What maintenance role is Becky fulfilling?

Question 25

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?

Question 26

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

Question 27

Information seekers, opinion seekers, and recorders are group members who have taken on ________ roles

Question 28

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.

Question 29

________ 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.

Question 30

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 ________.

Question 31

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.

Question 32

Personal growth groups come together specifically to learn or gain knowledge about new things.

Question 33

Pat, Heather, Siobhan, and Anne meet once a week for a step aerobics class after work and, then, they go out afterward for a drink. This is an example of a social group.

Question 34

Problem-solving groups are also called task-oriented groups.

Question 35

Norms are "openly expressed" rules for behavior, whereas roles are "implied" rules for behavior.

Question 36

Task roles are also called individual roles.

Question 37

The dynamics of small-group communication match both dyadic and public communication.

Question 38

Maintenance roles deal with the relationships of the group, whereas task roles deal with meeting the group's goals or objectives.

Question 39

Although small-group communication retains some spontaneity of interpersonal communication, it has the added pressure associated with interacting in public.

Question 40

A cohesive group works together as a unit, to solve problems, reach goals, or accomplish a specified task.

Question 41

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.

Question 42

A group member, troubled by dissent, can shift attitudes to resigned acceptance during the emergence phase.

Question 43

Norms and roles are the same variable affecting small-group communication because they identify a member by a title.

Question 44

Nodding our heads in agreement or shaking our heads in disagreement during group meetings is considered nonverbal participation.

Question 45

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.

Question 46

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Arrangement

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

Question 47

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Cohesiveness

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

Question 48

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Commitment

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

Question 49

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Knowledge-gaining groups

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

Question 50

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Norms

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

Question 51

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Personal growth groups

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

Question 52

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Maintenance roles

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

Question 53

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Task roles

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

Question 54

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Individual roles

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

Question 55

Match the word or phrase with its meaning.
-Social groups

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

Question 56

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.

Question 57

Explain the four phases of discussion that a small group goes through to reach a decision.

Question 58

What purpose do questions serve in a small-group discussion?

Question 59

What are roles? Name the three types of roles we play within the group dynamic, and describe when we play each role.

Question 60

What is a virtual group or team? What is one advantage of working in virtual groups?