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A Multivariate Investigation of Group Norms
- Publication Year :
- 1979
-
Abstract
- The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of group norms, and utilize it to investigate the nature of this construct, A thirty-two item instrument, based on Parson's pattern variables, was constructed to operationalize group norms. Two forms of the instrument were administered to two groups of subjects. Form I instructed subjects to respond to the items as if they were in a primary group situation. Form II presented subjects with a secondary group situation, and instructed them to respond from that perspective. Three multivariate statistical models were then utilized to investigate the nature of the construct. The results indicated that the construct "norm", as operationalized in this study, was defined by three major dimensions. These were labeled instrumental, affective, and relational concerns. It was also determined that, although groups in primary and secondary situations have the same basic normative concerns, they differ in the manner in which they respond to them. The area in which the two groups displayed the maximum difference was in the range of topics permitted during their interactions, The primary group allowed for a wide range of topics while the secondary group indicated that interaction should be confined to a narrow range of topics related to the task at hand.
- Subjects :
- Communication
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- OpenDissertations
- Publication Type :
- Dissertation/ Thesis
- Accession number :
- ddu.oai.etd.ohiolink.edu.bgsu1566463066611598