Cooperation failure in small problem-solving groups : a test of an attribution and social identity model /

This research investigates the possibility that pre-existing

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: McDonald, Donald Michael
Format: Thesis Book
Language:English
Published: [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified] ; 1994.
Subjects:
Online Access:http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=741945441&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Description
Summary:This research investigates the possibility that pre-existing
social identities may affect cooperation and achievement of
objectives within small problem-solving groups. Hypotheses
drew from attribution and social identity theories. An
interactive laboratory experiment tested hypotheses on the
following: 1) previously-established social identities affect
attributions, 2) attributions affect interactions which
immediately follow them, and 3) different initial
interactions lead to differential effects on achievement of
objectives in small problem-solving groups. Chi-square,
logistic regression, analysis of variance, and linear
regression were used to analyze the data. This research did
not empirically demonstrate that previously-established
identities affected attributions, but attributions were
significantly related to subsequent interaction patterns.
Efficiency was found to be lower in groups exhibiting
competitive patterns of interaction, and higher in groups
exhibiting cooperative patterns of interaction. This
research extended attribution theory and social identity
theory to include interaction, not simply action; and
suggested that achievement of objectives in newly-formed
problem-solving groups may be affected by previously-
established task-group identities.
Item Description:Vita.
"Major subject: Sociology".
Physical Description:viii, 128 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm.
Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc.
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.