Deck 9: Communicating in Small Groups

Question 1

Which of the following can be defined as 3-15 people working interdependently to accomplish a task?

A) Small group
B) Task group
C) Working group
D) Cohesive group

Answer 1

Small group

Question 2

) Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of small groups?

A) Interdependent
B) Cohesive
C) Avoid rules and norms
D) Include individual roles

Answer 2

Avoid rules and norms

Question 3

According to current communication scholars, a small group is composed of at least _____ and no more than 15 or 20 members.

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer 3

3

Question 4

The size of a small group matters, because most of us _____________ differently in larger and smaller collections of people.

A) prepare
B) influence
C) cohere
D) communicate

Question 5

What term describes the scenario in which each group member influences, and is influenced by, every other group member?

A) Working together
B) Interdependence
C) Codependence
D) Dependence

Question 6

Jack and Kate are working on a small group project for their political science class. They disagree on how to complete part of the assignment, which soon escalates to a full-scale argument. Afterward, they find it difficult to work together, and the entire group is affected. Jack and Kate are demonstrating ____________, meaning their moods and behaviors influenced, and were influenced by, one another's in a way that affected the group.

A) interdependence
B) conflict
C) codependence
D) escalation

Question 7

Groups are interdependent if the members all influence each other, but they are ____________ only if the members work together toward the same goal.

A) successful
B) effective
C) cohesive
D) influential

Question 8

In your algebra class, you are assigned to work in a small group. Most group members know their specific tasks and follow through on them, but there are two members who neglect their responsibilities. Therefore, your group's _________ cohesion is low.

A) social
B) overall
C) working
D) task

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a behavior that can cause a group to become dysfunctional?

A) Parasitism
B) Bragging
C) Interpersonal aggression
D) Misuse of resources

Question 10

A group's _________ are its explicitly stated principles for governing what its members can and cannot do.

A) norms
B) standards
C) rules
D) guidelines

Question 11

Genevieve and her friends sit together every day at lunch. It is understood that they will meet and sit in the same spot. Genevieve would never dream of bringing her lunch from home; in her group everyone buys lunch at the cafeteria. If Genevieve wants to bring someone new to join the group, she knows she should bring it up with her friends first. Even though these ______ were never explicitly stated, Genevieve knows how to conduct her behavior based on observing how her friends behave in the group.

A) rules
B) norms
C) guidelines
D) principles

Question 12

Although it has never been discussed, it is understood that when someone in your study group is going to be late, that person should send a text message. What term best describes your study group's unspoken understanding?

A) Norm
B) Rule
C) Guideline
D) Principle

Question 13

What is your supervisor establishing when she tells your committee that your meetings will begin at 10

A) A norm
B) A guideline
C) A rule
D) A suggestion

Question 14

Patterns of behavior that define a person's function within a group are called what?

A) Positions
B) Norms
C) Functions
D) Roles

Question 15

If a committee has a designated chairperson and note-taker, these are what types of roles?

A) Assigned
B) Formal
C) Informal
D) Unassigned

Question 16

What types of roles most frequently reflect how well or poorly the group functions while carrying out its mission?

A) Formal
B) Assigned
C) Informal
D) Unassigned

Question 17

Someone who is always making jokes in a group and trying to lighten the mood is taking on what type of role?

A) Assigned
B) Unassigned
C) Formal
D) Informal

Question 18

Ethan is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges. He wears his lapel pin to all meetings and puts on his chapter shirt when the group goes into the community for a project. At the start of each meeting, he hugs other members instead of a handshake or just saying hello. What do all of these actions serve to reinforce with regard to Phi Theta Kappa's group?

A) Cohesion
B) Identity
C) Interdependence
D) Communication practices

Question 19

Which practice is central to accomplishing any group's mission?

A) Communication
B) Independence
C) Identity
D) Interdependence

Question 20

In the film Remember the Titans, Coach Herman Boone (played by Denzel Washington), must deal with racial issues on his football team. At one point, he wakes his players up at 3:00

A) Role
B) Problem-solving
C) Consciousness-raising
D) Encounter

Question 21

Two group members gossiping before a group meeting about their weekend is an example of what type of communication?

A) Consciousness-raising
B) Encounter
C) Problem-solving
D) Role

Question 22

Some small groups communicate _________ because their members are located in different cities or countries and face-to-face communication is impossible.

A) slowly
B) synchronously
C) online
D) poorly

Question 23

Which of the following is TRUE about small groups interacting online?

A) Group members feel more confident in virtual rather than in face-to-face groups, in terms of their ability to be productive.
B) Because e-mail allows group members to interact in real time, members feel engaged and involved in dialogue with other members.
C) Individuals who interact with other group members online report being more committed to the group and happier while working in it.
D) Technologies such as e-mail, texting, and videoconferencing allow online group members to interact whenever and wherever they choose.

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a function of a small group?

A) Providing services and support
B) Correcting
C) Competing
D) Creating art and ideas

Question 25

In response to the worst oil spill in U.S. history in 2010, President Barack Obama set up a task force charged with determining the rate of oil leakage and the appropriate response. He included leading industry experts, officials from BP (the company responsible for the spill) and top government representatives. Because this group had a specific list of goals, it was formed to

A) focus on discrete tasks.
B) create art and ideas.
C) help us learn.
D) promote social networking.

Question 26

When Tina Wells was a high school student, she wrote product reviews for a local newspaper. Soon, so many companies started sending her products that she assembled a group of friends to help her test the products. By the time she graduated from college, Wells had 250 teenagers reviewing products, and today, Buzz Marketing Group is a teen-focused market research firm with clients such as Sony BMG, PBS, and American Eagle. Wells recognized the power that small groups had to do which of the following?

A) Focus on discrete tasks
B) Compete
C) Evaluate and advise
D) Create art and ideas

Question 27

A string quartet and the cast of Saturday Night Live are both examples of how small

A) groups can effectively work together to do which of the following?
B) Promote social networking
C) Create art and ideas
D) Help us learn
E) Compete

Question 28

Many companies and organizations use __________ groups, which are small groups of people assembled to generate innovative ways of thinking.

A) task
B) support
C) target
D) brainstorming

Question 29

Alcoholics Anonymous is an example of a __________ group.

A) support
B) task
C) relational
D) maintenance

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of a support group?

A) You can find people who understand your issue or problem because they have the same experience.
B) Listening to others' stories may help you feel less alone.
C) True support groups meet in person, not online.
D) Taking part in support groups for health conditions can improve health.

Question 31

Web sites such as Facebook allow users to interact with others in groups because some small groups

A) provide service and support.
B) create art and ideas.
C) help us learn.
D) promote social networking.

Question 32

Most collegiate athletic teams are formed for what purpose?

A) Creating art and ideas
B) Competing
C) Promoting social networking
D) Providing support

Question 33

We join study groups because small groups can

A) help us learn.
B) create art and ideas.
C) promote social networking.
D) provide support.

Question 34

The first group most of us belong to is

A) peers.
B) friends.
C) family.
D) domestic.

Question 35

Caleb is feeling insecure in his new school. He doesn't know anyone and feels like an outsider. Because he has always enjoyed writing, he joins the yearbook staff. Within a few days of joining the group, Caleb feels more confident and sure of himself. Which need has Caleb fulfilled by joining this group?

A) His need for protection
B) His need to belong
C) His need to improve
D) Pressure to join something

Question 36

Owen is very active in his church. When his wife dies, he loses interest in eating and taking care of himself, so his church forms a group to help care for Owen. They bring him food, make sure he is sleeping, and spend time with him so he knows he is not alone. Owen's church group understands what about their role as a small group?

A) They can improve someone's performance.
B) They can pressure someone.
C) They can fulfill a need to belong.
D) They can provide protection.

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a reason people might join a small group?

A) Need to belong
B) Need for protection
C) Pressure to join
D) Group membership can decrease their performance

Question 38

According to research, taking part in a weight-loss group is more effective than trying to lose weight individually because of which of the following function of a small group?

A) Improves performance
B) Fulfills a need to belong
C) Provides protection
D) Pressures someone to join

Question 39

Logan is assigned to a task committee at work. He is annoyed, as he feels _______________ the group. But soon Logan makes some good friends within the committee, and the work goes much faster than if he did it by himself.

A) the need to belong to
B) his performance is made better by
C) pressured to join
D) protected by

Question 40

At which phase of socialization do you apply pre-existing beliefs, attitudes, and expectations to the new group you are joining?

A) Exit
B) Encounter
C) Antecedent
D) Anticipatory

Question 41

Claire has had negative group experiences in college. She always seems to get stuck doing the bulk of the work, and her group members have always had terrible communication skills. Therefore, at work, when her boss proposes putting her on a task force, she is immediately apprehensive and fearful during the _____________ phase of socialization.

A) encounter
B) antecedent
C) anticipatory
D) assimilation

Question 42

Research has found that which phase of socialization can be stressful if you find that you have unrealistic expectations for a group?

A) Encounter
B) Antecedent
C) Assimilation
D) Anticipatory

Question 43

The ________________ phase of socialization encompasses the first time you meet with others as a group.

A) encounter
B) assimilation
C) exit
D) anticipatory

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT an important task typically addressed during the encounter phase of socialization?

A) Establish mission
B) Assign specific roles
C) Decide on group norms
D) Remind members of expectations for behaviors

Question 45

In which phase of socialization does a group acquire its own identity, when members think of themselves not as "you and me" but as "we"?

A) Anticipatory
B) Antecedent
C) Assimilation
D) Encounter

Question 46

Isabella is new to her high school. She meets a group of girls that call themselves The Girlie Crew. They always dress in purple or pink and refer to one another as "princess" or "diva". After a few weeks, Isabella tends to speak about her school experiences to her parents not in terms of "I"
But in "we", and she always dresses in the group's colors. Isabella is most likely in what phase of socialization?

A) Assimilation
B) Encounter
C) Anticipatory
D) Antecedent

Question 47

Lee is on the executive board of the homeowners' association for his neighborhood. Although he believes there should be a governing board to make sure all homeowners are following appropriate rules and regulations, lately he feels the association has been looking for easy ways to make money, instigating and enforcing unfair rules. As Lee begins doubting the effectiveness of the group, he will most likely enter which phase of socialization?

A) Encounter
B) Antecedent
C) Exit
D) Assimilation

Question 48

Because membership in most groups has a life span, it is pretty common to enter the ______ stage of socialization at some point in a group's evolution.

A) antecedent
B) exit
C) assimilation
D) encounter

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of small groups?

A) Sacrifices
B) Resources
C) Diversity
D) Synergy

Question 50

Accomplishing almost any task requires the availability of ___________, which are entities that enable us to be productive.

A) resources
B) diversity
C) sacrifices
D) synergy

Question 51

The Means and Way Committee at Temple Shalom has been very successful in its fundraising efforts. Some members are very effective at convincing local businesses to donate goods for an auction; some members have many community contacts that enable them to get many people out for events; and still other members have strong organizational skills to make sure fund-raising events such as auctions are efficient and successful. This group is using its __________ to find success.

A) synergy
B) resources
C) diversity
D) skills

Question 52

Which word best describes the idea that group members can accomplish more by working together than they could individually?

A) Diversity
B) Resources
C) Conflict
D) Synergy

Question 53

Which word best describes the belief that each member in a group brings a different set of ideas, experiences, insights, and values to a discussion?

A) Synergy
B) Personalities
C) Diversity
D) Uniqueness

Question 54

A shoe company isn't sure if the ad campaign for its newest sneaker will be appealing to its customers. The company puts together a focus group made up of individuals of different ages, genders, sexual orientations, and ethnicities. The company knows that it might be more difficult for this type of group to come to a consensus, but it hopes that given enough time, the group can provide valuable information based on which of its attributes?

A) Diversity
B) Synergy
C) Resources
D) Uniqueness

Question 55

By campaigning together as a group for the state legislature, Paul, James, and Colin are able to attract more votes for each of them than they could have gotten by campaigning separately. This illustrates which principle of small group behavior?

A) Diversity
B) Conflict
C) Synergy
D) Resources

Question 56

What is it called when group members contribute less to the group than the average member, particularly as the group grows in size?

A) Conflict
B) Social loafing
C) Laziness
D) Social sacrifice

Question 57

Rory is becoming frustrated with Andrew's lack of participation in their club. As more and more new members join, Andrew does less and less. It has reached a point where he contributes almost nothing. Which of the following is the MOST effective way to deal with this social loafer?

A) Rory should not name names, as it will only put Andrew on the defensive.
B) Rory should keep the group's goal ambiguous to reduce pressure.
C) Rory should make the consequences clear so Andrew understands how his behavior contributes to the group's goal.
D) Rory should make sure to keep all conflict in the open with all the group members involved.

Question 58

Whenever small groups have to make decisions, they are likely to experience some measure of ___________ if goals are incompatible or resources are limited.

A) social loafing
B) conflict
C) arguments
D) frustration

Question 59

Rose's friend is getting married, so she's been put in charge of collecting money from all of their friends and buying a nice gift for the couple. Rose is running into difficulty, as her friends can't agree on an amount to give, and some don't want to give as much as others. The friends also continue to debate about which type of gift is most appropriate, a humorous one or a sentimental one. For the group's effort to be successful, Rose should find an effective way to deal with the group's

A) conflict.
B) diversity.
C) synergy.
D) opinions.

Question 60

Which of the following is NOT true about larger small groups (15 or more members)?

A) They can be difficult to coordinate.
B) Members can find it difficult to communicate efficiently with one another.
C) Larger groups tend to communicate more about their tasks than smaller groups.
D) Larger groups may find it necessary to divide their work, assigning specific tasks to pairs of people who can more easily coordinate their schedules.

Question 61

Becoming part of a small group requires more than signing one's name to a membership roster-new members must also be ______________ into the group.

A) hazed
B) welcomed
C) socialized
D) instructed

Question 62

Which of the following is NOT a way to socialize a new member into a group?

A) Be a mentor.
B) Let new members join activities slowly.
C) Create a group orientation.
D) Recruit good members.

Question 63

Opal is the president of her son's elementary school's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). She makes a concerted effort to _________ new members to the group by offering new member orientations twice a year, calling new members personally to invite them to upcoming activities, and setting up a mentor program between new members and those in their final year of service.

A) acclimate
B) orient
C) welcome
D) socialize

Question 64

If you've made the effort to join a small group, you probably already support that group's goals, norms, values, and behaviors, because you are

A) learning what matters.
B) contributing to the group.
C) embracing the group's culture.
D) acquiring appropriate skills.

Question 65

Sienna joins a sorority on her campus. The group has many goals, including upholding strong scholarship, embracing diversity, and helping in the community. Sienna studies a lot to make sure she can meet the first goal, but finds that she still isn't quite fitting in. After observing her sorority sisters for a few days, she realizes that this particular group is more focused on helping in the community. It would have helped Sienna socialize herself more to have first ________________ to the sorority.

A) learned what matters.
B) contributed to the group.
C) acquired appropriate skills.
D) embraced the group's culture.

Question 66

If you are to become an active member of a group, you'll need to __________________ so you can carry out your role and responsibilities.

A) learn what matters
B) embrace the group's culture
C) contribute to the group
D) acquire appropriate skills

Question 67

If someone in your group receives good news or achieves a goal, you should ask if you can share the news with the group. By doing this, you are doing what to contribute to a constructive group environment?

A) Building group cohesion
B) Celebrating success
C) Defusing stress
D) Respecting others

Question 68

Danielle is in a small group with Leighton in their sociology class. Danielle finds Leighton to be abrasive and completely disagrees with her on a lot of what she says. Danielle decides that, to keep the group environment constructive, she will find the positive aspects in what Leighton says and celebrate the diversity in the group. What method is Danielle using to keep group communication positive?

A) Respecting others
B) Celebrating success
C) Defusing stress
D) Building group cohesion

Question 69

When group members concentrate on their shared objectives, group cohesiveness increases because the group is

A) keeping track of progress.
B) celebrating success.
C) emphasizing collective goals.
D) reminding others of their value to the group.