Small Groups: An Introduction

This text provides a comprehensive introduction to the social-psychological literature on social interaction in small groups. Part 1 covers the influence of the physical situation, personalities and social characteristics of the group members on the dynamics of the group. Part 2 covers the effect of the presence of others on pressures to conform experienced by group members. Part 3 includes chapters on roles, relationships and leadership. Part 4 reviews verbal and nonverbal communication, group decisionmaking and choice shift. Part 5 deals with cooperation, competition and conflict resolution. Part 6 discusses two types of external influence on the small group: the influence exerted by a larger group of which the smaller group is part, and the influence exerted by other groups with which the small group cooperates or competes.