MPS618 All Modules Discussions (November 2018)

MPS 618 Group Dynamics

Module 1 Discussion

DQ1 Introduction

Please take a moment to introduce yourself and tell a little about why you are interested in taking this course. Off the top of your head, name six to ten groups that you belong to have belonged to in the past. Respond to at least one other student in addition to your intial post.

DQ2 Introduction to the Study of Groups

Provide an example of a group that may have come to mind while reading Forsyth’s article. This could be a group to which you belong, one that you have observed, or even a group introduced to you through the news, a book, or a movie. How do you know it is a group? What makes it different from a simple collection of people? What is the purpose of the group? Describe the group using some key terms and ideas presented in the article.

MPS 618 Group Dynamics

Module 2 Discussion

DQ1 Tuckman’s Group Development Model

Thinking about Tuckman’s group development model, give examples of what one might notice while observing a group in each of the stages. Cite your source(s) and reply to one other student’s post.

DQ2 Working Concept of Group Cohesion

Using the information you’ve read so far, describe your working concept of group cohesion. How does it affect group development? Cite your source(s) and reply to one other student’s post.

MPS 618 Group Dynamics

Module 3 Discussion

DQ1 Positive and Negative Effects on Performance (Part 1)

Citing evidence from this week’s readings, explain the dynamics that are responsible for increased performance inherent in groups when compared with individuals performing the same task. Cite your sources and reply to at least one other student’s post.

DQ2 Positive and Negative Effects on Performance (Part 2)

Explain the concept of social loafing. Provide examples or just ideas you may have of social loafing in context. Cite your sources and reply to at least one other student’s post.

MPS 618 Group Dynamics

Module 4 Discussion

DQ1 Groupthink and Jury Deliberations

Discuss the application of the groupthink dynamic to jury deliberations. Cite your sources and reply to at least one other student’s post.

DQ2 Subverting Groupthink

Using information from the readings about groupthink, what are some ways in which the potential for groupthink may be subverted? Cite your sources and reply to at least one other student’s post.

MPS 618 Group Dynamics

Module 5 Discussion

DQ1 Conformity Relative to Milgram and Zimbardo Experiments

Prepare a post that discusses the concept of conformity and its relation to the Milgram and Zimbardo experiments. Cite your sources and reply to at least one other student’s post.

DQ2 Ethical Implications of Milgram and Zimbardo Experiments

Analyze the ethical implications of these two famous experiments. How has the psychological research community changed as a result? Cite your sources and reply to at least one other student’s post.

MPS 618 Group Dynamics

Module 6 Discussion

DQ1 Ramiah and Hewstone

Explain Ramiah and Hewstone’s theory on intergroup contact. Cite your sources and reply to one other student’s post.

DQ2 Theory on Intergroup Contact Application

How might you apply the intergroup contact theory to a conflict you have experienced or witnessed between groups? Cite your sources and reply to at least one other student.

MPS 618 Group Dynamics

Module 7 Discussion

DQ1 Emergent Theory

Choose one of the following theories to describe for the class and include an example:

Contagion theory

Convergence theory

Emergent-norm theory

Value-added theory

DQ2 Bringing The Emergent Theory into Contemporary Group Dynamics

Apply your new understanding of crowd behavior to a current event from the news or a personal experience. How and why did the formation of the crowd influence the resulting behaviors? Cite your sources and respond to at least one other student’s post.

MPS 618 Group Dynamics

Module 8 Discussion

DQ1 Therapeutic Factors in Group Therapy

Discuss several therapeutic factors relative to group verses individual therapy. How and why are they similar and different? Cite your sources and respond to at least one other student’s post.

DQ2 Individual Change and Group Psychotherapy

Relate the psychological concept of individual change to the practice of group psychotherapy. What are the advantages and disadvantages of attempting to create change within a group as opposed to within an individual? Cite your sources and respond to at least one other student’s post.