An analysis of relational communication in ongoing group systems

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Title An analysis of relational communication in ongoing group systems
Publication Type dissertation
School or College College of Humanities
Department Communication
Author Ellis, Donald George
Date 1976-08
Description This research begins by examining four theoretical perspectives on interpersonal relationships. After reviewing reinforcement theories, cognitive theories, and psychoanalytic theories a set of propositions are set forth which direct attention to the importance of communication for the establishment and development of interpersonal relationships. This function of communication is termed relational communication. The study sought to develop and validate a coding scheme for measuring relational interaction by answering the following questions: (1) What types of relational interaction characterize decision-making groups and consciousness-raising groups?; (2) What, if any, are the differences in relational interaction between a decision-making group and a consciousness-raising group?' (3) Do patterns of relational interaction in either a decision-making group or a consciousness-raising group change over time; (4) Does the interaction produced by dyads in either a decision making group or consciousness-raising group differ from a group's total interaction. The audio-recordings of two decision-making groups and two consciousness-raising groups were subjected to a Markov statistical analysis. The results of the study suggest the following conclusions: (1) Decision-making groups function similarly and are characterized by equivalent symmetry, competitive symmetry, initiation cycles, and deference; (2) Consciousness-raising groups operate as unique interacting systems. While both groups are characterized by equivalent symmetry, one consciousness-raising group used initiation sequences and the other resorts to relational deference; (3) Decision-making interaction varies over time; (4) Only one of the consciousness-raising group had significant change over time; (5) Dyads formed by the leader and opinion deviate in decision-making groups differ from the total group interaction. Finally, the study proposes changes in the coding scheme and recommendations for future research.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Is Part of https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s65x2qv1
Subject Interpersonal relations
Dissertation Name Doctor of Philosophy
Language eng
Relation is Version of Digital reproduction of "An Analysis of Relational Communication in Ongoing Group Systems" J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections, HM15.5 1976 E44
Rights Management In the public domain use of this file is allowed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us
Format application/pdf
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 2,436,114 bytes
Identifier etd3/id/2488
Conversion Specifications Original scanned on Epson GT-30000/Epson Expression 836XL as 400 dpi to pdf using ABBYY FineReader 9.0 Professional Edition.
ARK ark:/87278/s69p3gj9
Setname ir_etd
ID 196064
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s69p3gj9
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