Question 1

All of the following behaviors are common symptoms of secondary tension except

Accepted Answer

Secondary tension is characterized by active engagement and conflict, not irrelevant small talk, which is more indicative of primary tension or lack of engagement.

Question 2

A local Parents Without Partners chapter is an example of a

Accepted Answer

A local Parents Without Partners chapter is a self-help group because it is made up of individuals who share a common challenge – being a single parent – and who come together to support and help each other cope with that challenge.

Question 3

After several meetings of a newly formed recycling committee, group members begin to work harmoniously as a cohesive team and make decisions about the best ways to achieve a common goal. Because members feel comfortable with one another, they are willing to disagree and express their opinions. Which of Tuckman's stages of group development is your group experiencing?

Accepted Answer

The group is in the "norming" stage, where members start to work together harmoniously, establish norms, and feel comfortable expressing their opinions.

Question 4

Your textbook contends that effective groups learn to balance individual goals and

Accepted Answer

Effective groups balance individual goals with group goals to ensure that both personal and collective objectives are met, fostering collaboration and productivity.

Question 5

Participating in virtual groups can be difficult because

Accepted Answer

All the listed factors contribute to the challenges of participating in virtual groups, including time management, engagement, technological proficiency, and communication dynamics.

Question 6

A well-known study by Carl Larson and Frank LaFasto concludes that "in every case, without exception, where an effectively functioning team was identified," it had one overarching characteristic. Which was that characteristic?

Accepted Answer

The study by Carl Larson and Frank LaFasto found that effectively functioning teams had a clear, understandable goal as their overarching characteristic.

Question 7

TV talk show guests who interact with other guests and a host for the benefit of an audience are participating in a

Accepted Answer

Panel discussion involves multiple guests interacting with each other and a host in front of an audience. Symposiums typically involve academic or professional presentations, forums are more open discussions without a formal structure, governance groups are decision-making bodies, and service groups are organizations focused on helping others.

Question 8

The social unease and inhibitions that accompany the getting-acquainted stage in a group is described as

Accepted Answer

The social unease and inhibitions that accompany the getting-acquainted stage in a group is known as primary tension. This is the initial discomfort and uncertainty that people feel when they first come together in a group setting. It's important for group members to acknowledge and work through this stage before progressing to the norming stage.

Question 9

As defined in your textbook, a family is an example of a

Accepted Answer

A family is considered a primary group because it is typically a small social group whose members share close, personal, and enduring relationships.

Question 10

_______________ occurs when members' private goals conflict with the group's common goals and represent what people really want rather than what they say they want.

Accepted Answer

Hidden agendas occur when individuals have personal goals that differ from the group's stated objectives, leading to potential conflicts within the group.

Question 11

Which of the following situations best represents group communication as defined in the textbook?

Accepted Answer

Group communication is defined as communication among three or more people working together to achieve a common goal or purpose. Jury members deliberating a court case fit this definition as they are a group of people working together to reach a verdict.

Question 12

A college's Board of Trustees establishes policies. This type of group would be classified as a

Accepted Answer

The fact that the group has the power to establish policies indicates that it is a governance group. The options A, B, and C are all types of discussion or meeting formats, and the option E pertains to a group focused on providing a service rather than setting policies.

Question 13

You have joined a newly formed group responsible for developing a recycling program for your community. At first group members are somewhat uncomfortable working with people they don't know. Which of Tuckman's stages of group development is your group experiencing?

Accepted Answer

The group is experiencing the forming stage, where members are getting to know each other and establishing their goals and objectives.

Question 14

All of the following answers are advantages of working in groups except

Accepted Answer

Groups do not necessarily solve problems faster than individuals; coordination and communication can slow down the process.

Question 15

Bruce Tuckman describes four stages of group development. In what order do these stages usually occur?

Accepted Answer

The stages of group development usually occur in the following order: forming, storming, norming, and performing. Therefore, the best choice is E (forming, storming, norming, and performing) as it matches this order.

Question 16

Primary tension is often characterized by all of the following behaviors except

Accepted Answer

Primary tension is characterized by behaviors such as politeness, hesitancy, and irrelevant small talk, not by being noisy and physically active.

Question 17

What type of group is created by a larger group or by a person in a position of authority for the purpose of doing or completing a specific assignment or task?

Accepted Answer

A committee is a group created by a larger group or by a person in a position of authority for the purpose of doing or completing a specific task or assignment. Committees are often formed in organizations, businesses, and government institutions to address specific issues or problems, and they typically have a designated leader who oversees their activities.

Question 18

What is the ideal group size for a problem-solving discussion?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that a group size of 5-7 people is often ideal for problem-solving discussions, as it allows for a diversity of ideas while still being small enough to manage effectively and ensure everyone's participation.

Question 19

Hidden agendas

Accepted Answer

Hidden agendas do not necessarily cause problems in a group as they may not always interfere with the group's objectives or dynamics.

Question 20

A virtual group is one which

Accepted Answer

Virtual groups rely on technology to communicate, as members are often not physically present in the same location.

Quiz 10: Working in Groups