GROUPS EXAM 1
public zone
(12+ feet) teachers and public speakers
personal zone
(18 inches to 4 feet), distance at which a couple stands in public
intimate zone
(18 inches), only emotionally close people and often in private situations
social zone
(4-12 feet) business communications, coworkers
groups
(Initial Planning) → Intake and Selection of Members → Assessment and Planning → Group Development and Intervention → (Monitoring and) Evaluation → Termination
According to the text, what are some pitfalls to avoid in conducting group exercises?
-Exercises should not solve emotional problems. -Should not be used to fill class time, must have legitimate teaching value. -Should not be used if there is insufficient time to discuss of process the activity. -Should not replace other forms of instruction. -Should not encourage students to disclose material they will later regret.
What is the effect of group meeting duration (i.e. how long an individual group session meets) on group functioning? Is there any indication of optimal group meeting duration?
-The number of sessions, one or twice a week -Length of session, for 1 to 2 hours Too short does not allow sufficient time to thoroughly discuss. Too long, members feel drowsy, frustrated, and unable to concentrate.
auto kinetic effect of conformity
. Sherif's study, subjects asked to judge how far a light moved, the light didn't move, but when the answer was ambiguous, members relied on the group to define reality.
List and describe the parts of the eight-phase model of the change process as it appears in the text.
1) Engaging clients in an appropriate working relationship: Worker reflect empathy, warmth, and sincerity. 2) Identifying issues, problems, needs, resources, and assets 3) Collecting and assessing information: Collect from the client and other sources. 4) Planning for service delivery 5) Using communication skills, supervision, and consultation: Both oral and writing skills. 6) Identifying, analyzing, and implementing empirically based interventions designed to achieve client goals 7) Applying empirical knowledge and technology 8) Evaluating program outcomes and practice effectiveness: By survey as a way to monitor and evaluate outcomes, terminate.
List and describe the NASW's goals of social work practice as presented in the text.
1) Enhance the clients' problem-solving, coping, and developmental capacities: Using person in environment, worker becomes enabler. 2) Link clients with systems that provide resources, services, and opportunities: PIE, worker focuses on relationships between person and systems with which they interact, being a broker. 3) Promote the effective and humane operation of systems that provide resources and services: PIE, Focus on systems people interact with, advocate. 4) Develop and improve social policy: Planner and policy developer; Workers develop and seek adoption of new statutes or policies. 5) Promote human and community well-being
focus
1) Identify needs or issues, 2) to generate proposals that resolve an identified issue, and 3) to test reactions to alternative approaches to an issue
Define/describe generalist social work.
1) Often the first professional to see clients as they enter the social welfare system, 2) must be competent to assess clients' needs and to identify their stress points and problems, 3) worker must draw on a variety of skills and methods to serve clients. The basic principle of generalist practice is that baccalaureate social workers are able to utilize the problem-solving process to intervene with various size systems.
medical model approach to assessing and changing human behavior
1920s - 1960s Believes that the task of a provider is to diagnose the causes of a patient's problems and then to provide treatment, patient's problems are viewed as being inside the patient . this model conceptualizes the emotional and behavioral problems of people as mental illnesses, that they were an internal condition, and these people are then given medical labels
Describe the ways in which a cooperative group atmosphere can be developed or cultivated in groups.
A cooperative group is marked by open and honest communication, trust, pooling of resources, and cohesion. Cooperation results when the goals of group members are seen as compatible, identical, or complementary. To establish a cooperative environment, rewards must be based on quantity and quality of group performance, rather than individual performance.
What factors are associated with hidden agendas in groups?
A member may fail to contribute or may say and do things that impede group activities. Hidden agendas are more likely to develop if members have heterogenous personal goals. Confrontation about a hidden agenda should lead to open, trusting discussion, and alternatives for resolving the concern should be discussed.
Compare and contrast reference groups and membership groups.
A membership group means someone either belongs or does not belong in it, but some maybe marginal members (not fully involved, but a member). Reference groups are groups whose influence we accept and identify with. Reference groups have two functions: 1) normative, for members who seek to conform to their positions and standards for behavior and 2) decision making, for members who use group standards, or norms, as the basis for making and evaluating decisions.
specialty
Address specific topics unique to certain populations and settings
Describe the effect of group size on group functioning. Is there any indication of optimal group size?
Affects members' satisfaction, interaction and amount of output per member. Optimal group size is 5 members.
group treatment
Aimed at facilitating the social, behavioral, and emotional adjustment of individuals through the group process. Advantages include helper therapy principle, group pressure in more effective in changing maladaptive behaviors, and group treatment is a time saver.
family treatment
Aimed at helping families with interactional, behavioral, and emotional problems.
life skills
Also called "independent living skills or daily living skills group". Used with adults with chronic mental illness, developmental or cognitive disabilities, and teens/young adults
pre affiliation
Ambivalent about joining, guarded interactions.
relationship
Asserts that the pattern and structure of the elements in a system are as important as the elements themselves.
Describe the family group conferencing approach with abused or neglected children, as presented in the text.
Attempts to improve the parenting and end future abuse. 1) Family is widely defined to include extended family, as well as other significant people, 2) family is given the opportunity to prepare the plan, 3) professionals involved with the family must agree to the plan unless it is thought to place the child at risk.
coercive power
Based upon group member's perception that another can apply aversive consequences or remove positive consequences
reward power
Based upon one member's perception that another has the capacity to dispense reinforcement (positive or negative) in response to behavior
expert power
Based upon the perception that a person has knowledge or expertise that is the source of the power (CS LEWIS) - PERCEPTION OF KNOWLEDGE
legitimate power
Based upon the perception that wielder has right to define proper behavior and others have the obligation to conform to the (who's your daddy) -GIVEN
negotiator
Brings people in conflict together and seeks to bargain and compromise to find mutually acceptable agreements. Unlike a mediator, a negotiator is usually allied with one side or another.
initiator
Calls attention to a problem or to a potential problem. Requires attention.
power and control
Character of the group emerges. Patterns of communication develop, and individuals assume roles
What is the effect of a competitive group atmosphere on group productivity?
Competition is usually destructive, and competition decreases creativity, coordination of efforts, helping and sharing, and cohesion. Competition promotes ineffective communication, animosity, anxiety about goal achievement, etc. Competition leads to low effectiveness in problem solving, and encourages the rejection of differences in opinion.
storming
Conflicts arise and members confront differences.
psychoanalyzer
Continual analysis of what other members are doing and saying
idiosyncrasy credits
Credits (or increased status) gained by exhibiting competence and conforming to the expectations applicable at a given time.
According to the text, what are the effects of manipulation in groups?
Decreases cooperation and creates serious maintenance problems
Describe the process of self-disclosure as presented in the text. What are problems are associated with over- or under-disclosure? What ae the "rules" for self-disclosure by leaders in groups?
Deliberately revealing info about ourselves that is significant and not normally be revealed to others. individuals should self-disclose when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks; making realistic judgments about the potential benefits and risks
psychoeducational
Designed to educate and empower clients to be able to better manage client's psychiatric symptoms, mental illness, or behavioral health problems
socialization
Develop attitudes and behaviors in group members that are more socially acceptable. Ex. Teen delinquency group
operational goal
Directly translated into specific actions to achieve goal.
Define/describe the term "engage" as it relates to social work practice.
Engagement is substantively and affectively prepare for action with all levels. Use empathy and other interpersonal skills. Develop a mutually agreed on focus of work and desired outcomes.
norming
Establishes cohesiveness and commitment. In the process, members discover ways to work together. Norms set for appropriate behavior
According to the text, what reactions characterize the termination of a group? How do these compare to the termination of other significant relationships?
Feelings of being rejected. Similar to feelings associated with termination of other significant relationships.
symptom management
Focus on helping individuals cope with specific types of disorders
task
Formed to achieve a specific set of tasks or objectives. Ex. Party planning
Describe the process of one-way communication. In what contexts is this type of communication likely to be used? What are problems associated with this type of communication?
Giving instructions or orders, receivers are not allowed to respond to the message It allows for instructions and messages to be given quickly Messages tend to be simplified and distorted as they are passed down. Valuable feedback from receivers is missed Coordination between hierarchy levels lost due to distortions encoding, send the message, decoding
Describe the factors that contribute to a member's commitment to a group goal
Goals are clear, operationally defined, and measurable Members see goals as relevant and meaningful Personal and group goals can be achieved by the same tasks and activities Goals are viewed as challenging with a moderate risk of failure Resources needed are available High coordination among members Cooperative rather than competitive atmosphere
What does the term "mutual aid" mean, as presented in the text?
Groups who share similar problems and meet regularly in small groups to provide emotional support, information, assistance in problem solving, and other help for each other.
What is the effect of homogeneity between group and individual goals on group functioning? Heterogeneity?
Homogeneity between a group is more attractive to group members, and will make them more willing to provide their resources and energies to the group. Homogeneity makes members more apt to agree on group goals, work together toward achieving these goals, etc. Heterogeneity in groups makes hidden agendas more likely, and heterogenous goals require more attention
What happens when a group member expends all their idiosyncrasy credits in a group?
Idiosyncrasy credits allow a person to break the norms and rules of the group without being chastised. Beyond this limit, non-conformity will result in a dramatic decrease in status and perhaps even rejection from other members.
social skills
Improve participant's interpersonal effectiveness skills
What is the significance of the Young Men's Christian Association with regard to social work/social services?
In the United States, it was the first organization to aid troops during wartime in the field and in prison camps. It pioneered community sports and athletics, invented volleyball and basketball, and taught water safety and swimming. Devised an international program of social service similar to that of the Peace Corps. It originated group recreational camping, night schools, non-denominational Christian work for college students, and assist foreign students.
recreational/skill building
Informal/skill building recreational groups Ex. YMCA
individuals
Intake → Assessment → Planning → Intervention → Termination
Describe the ecological/ecosystems model's approach to assessing and changing human behavior, as presented in the text. In what ways does this differ from the medical model?
Integrates both treatment and reform by conceptualizing and emphasizing the dysfunctional transactions with all elements of their environments. Humans are known to develop and adapt through transactions with all elements of their environments. Gives attention to internal and external factors. Does not view people as passive reactors to their environments but active participants in dynamic and reciprocal interactions. Attempts to improve coping patterns.
intimacy
Likes/dislikes of intimate relationships are expressed. Feelings are more openly expressed. Feeling of oneness or cohesiveness.
Describe/define case management as presented in the text.
Link clients to needed resources that exist in complex service delivery networks and the delivery of services timely. Function as brokers, facilitators, linkers, mediators, and advocates.
Describe the characteristics of Machiavellian leaders
Little emotional involvement, utilitarian view rather than moral view, accurate perception of needs of their followers, manipulate others for personal gain.
goal setting process
Long range goals are established first, and efforts to state these goals in operational and measurable terms. Short term goals are then established and prioritized as to their importance in achieving the long range goals Tasks are identified to achieve short term goals and then ranked according to order of importance
Describe the effect of long-term disagreement on how to define or resolve a major problem on group cohesion.
Long-term disagreement will decrease group cohesion, can include unreasonable or excessive demands on members.
differentiation
Members are freer to experience with new and alternative behavior patterns because they recognize individual rights and needs, and they communicate more effectively.
What is the "helper therapy principle"?
Members at times interchange roles and become the helper for someone else, receiving psychological rewards and putting their own problems into perspective in the process.
forming
Members become oriented toward each other, work on acceptance, and learn about the group. Period of uncertainty in which members determine their place in group.
treatment
Members with severe emotional, behavioral, and personal problems
What does the text suggest are effective components of confronting a disruptive group member?
Minimizing disruptiveness by allowing the disruptive group member to vent, use validation Group leader confronts member with other members present at a private meeting (use I messages, be careful not to make member feel 'ganged up' on) Have another group member, rather than the leader, be the one that confronts the disruptive member
anger management
Most common type of treatment group
mutuality goal achievement
Mutual aid and problem solving. Greater self-disclosure, empathy, and mutual acceptance.
What happens when norms are not enforced?
Non-functional norms should be identified and either discarded or replaced with more functional norms. Important norms should be enforced immediately after a violation and as consistently as possible. If norms are not enforced, they become ineffective, and new norms (its okay to break a rule) may be established. Social workers lose credibility if they don't follow through on consequences for norm violations
group work
Not therapeutic in a sense, like group therapy. Different groups have different objectives
Describe the function of the "thawing" or unfreezing process as it occurs in encounter groups.
Occurs when we decide certain patterns of our present behavior need to be changed, and we are psychologically ready to explore ways to make changes. When our expectations are violated, less sure of ourselves. Ex. Group members may take shoes off and sit in circle or hold hands with their eyes closed.
Compare and contrast open-ended and closed-ended groups.
Open ended groups mean someone can join or not come back at anytime, constant change inhibits openness and detract from the sense of trust needed before certain subjects are broached. Closed ended groups function more effectively because of constant population and operates in specific time frames
transmitting
Originator (sender) sends the message to receiver via a medium.
encoding
Originator of message translates thoughts/feelings into symbols that others can understand.
Describe the conditions under which yielding to group pressure is more likely to occur. What is necessary to make yielding less likely to occur?
People can be pressured into yielding on attitudes and opinions, even on personally significant matters. As a group increases in size, the pressure to yield increases. Yielding is significantly reduced when a person has the support of another in the group. Dissident opinions have a tremendous effect in strengthening independence in opinions.
sensitivity / encounter
People relate to each other in a close interpersonal manner and self-disclosure is required, goal is to improve interpersonal awareness
referent power
Power that is expressed as a result of identification and/or identity (MLK) - RESPECT
separation
Purposes achieved, and members have new behavioral patterns to enable them to move on to other experiences.
leveling
Quantity of into reduced (fewer words/details)
decoding
Receiver interprets the message through thoughts/feelings that mean something to the receiver.
assimilation
Receivers interpret info by means of their own context.
separation termination
Reluctant to leave leader and group.
According to the text, what behavioral choices are involuntary members of a group likely to make?
Remain silent and listen to what others have to say Vent their anger and unhappiness in disruptive ways Refuse to come, and accept consequences for that
According to the text, what is the relationship between social professionals and research?
Research in SW practice can involve reading literature on topics of interest, evaluating the outcomes of one's practice, assessing the merits and shortcomings of programs, and studying community needs
activist
Seeks basic institutional change; involves a shift in power and resources to a disadvantaged group. Tactics involve conflict, confrontation, and negotiation.
Parents Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are examples of what type of group or groups? Why?
Self-help and mutual aid groups because they are voluntary, formed by peers to come together for mutual assistance, overcoming a common problem.
What is the function of an ad hoc committee?
Set up for one purpose and usually ceases functioning after completion of its task.
What is meant by the term "signature pedagogy" and what is considered to be social work's signature pedagogy? Why?
Signature pedagogy represents the central form of instruction and learning in which a profession socializes its students to perform the role of practitioner. In social work, the signature pedagogy is field education. The goal of field education is to connect the theory to the practical world.
Define "social justice" as presented in the text.
Social justice is an ideal condition in which all members of a society have the same basic rights, protection, opportunities, obligations, and social benefits
Define the terms social work and social welfare. Describe the relationship between social work and social welfare.
Social work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities to enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and to create societal conditions favorable to their goals. Social welfare is about how people, communities, and institutions in a society take action to provide certain minimum standards and certain opportunities. Almost all social workers are employed in the field of social welfare.
sharpening
Some parts of message are more dominant than others.
settlement house movement
Sought to improve housing, health, and living conditions; find jobs for workers; teach English, hygiene, and occupational skills; and improve living conditions through neighborhood cooperative efforts. But also played an important role in drafting legislation and organizing to influence social policy. Key figures include Jane Addams (Hull House in Chicago).
community organization
Stimulate and assist the local community to evaluate, plan, and coordinate efforts to provide for the community's health, welfare, and recreation needs.
Describe the findings of Asch's studies on conformity. What proportion of subjects typically conformed to the group judgment
Subjects asked to say which lines were most similar, only one member of the group was not an accomplice, more than one third of subjects conformed to the group judgment
education
Teach specialized skills and knowledge. Ex. Parenting class
According to the text, what are benefits of group treatment as compared to one-on-one treatment?
The "helper" therapy principle generally is operative. Members interchange roles and become a helper, receiving psychological reward. Allows members with interaction problems to test new approaches. Research shows it is easier to change attitudes of an individual in a group than one on one. Permits a social worker to treat more than one person at a time.
Describe the ethics and guidelines for conducting group exercises, as presented in the text.
The leader must explain objectives, steps, leading discussion, and being alert to reactions. The more enthusiasm the leader displays, the more for the group. Students learn differently. Exercises will be modified in relation to students' learning needs. Allot enough time. Instructor should always be present. Each exercise should be discussed and evaluated after.
wholeness
The objects or elements within a system produce an entity greater than the additive sums of the separate parts.
policy analysis
The systematic evaluation of a policy and the process by which it is formulated.
What is the relationship, if any, between task, problem-solving and decision-making groups?
There is considerable overlap. In fact, problem solving and decision making groups can be a subcategory of task group.
Compare and contrast the goals of treatment groups and sensitivity groups.
Treatment groups 1) examine problems in depth 2) identify, develop and choose a strategy to resolve the problem. Sensitivity groups 1) Increase self awareness in interpersonal relationships 2) help develop more effective interaction patterns.
uncertainty exploration
Uncertainty with power and control. Members explore and test relationship with leader and each other to establish role and trust and acceptance.
process
Used in inpatient, residential, and other settings where group members spend significant amount of time together
social conversation
When people do not know each other very well, no formal agenda, and goals are not necessarily main topic of conversation. Ex. Maybe a mom's group?
inclusion orientation
Whether or not members will feel included. Typically marked by anxiety and uncertainty.
enabler
Worker helps. Most frequently used approach, NOT a negative term
performing
Works as a unit to achieve group goals. Members develop proficiency in achieving goals and become more flexible in working together.
Describe the ways that a negative group norm could be changed.
Write down desired norms if necessary, as well as the consequences for violating those norms. Confront violations of norms immediately.
johari window
a graphic model of self-disclosure in groups, includes things that are known to self, not known to others, known to others and not known to others. Implies that the more information that is shared, the more others know and the greater the feedback will be.
nominal group
a group in which individuals work in the presence of others but do not verbally interact, primary objective is to identify the needs of a group
clown
a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
hidden agenda
a personal goal held by a member but unknown to other group members, which interferes with the group's efforts
norms
a rule that is accepted by the majority of the group
displacement
aggressive feelings vented against safer objects or people (yelling at spouse rather than boss)
Describe the process of two-way communication. In what contexts is this type of communication likely to be used? What are problems associated with this type of communication?
allows for all members to participate fully improves cohesion, group morale, trust, and openness almost always more productive and effective than one-way communication, but time consuming
i-messages
allows you to own the messages you are sending by taking responsibility for your own thoughts and feelings, non-judgmental and non-blaming terms
The Trivial Tyrannizer
annoys with constant interruptions and digressions
What are useful ways of measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of a group, as presented in the text?
assess the degree to which goals are attained
power grabber
attempts to become leader
leadership style approach
authoritarian or democratic or laissez-faire
Describe how the authority hierarchy affects two-way communication
authority hierarchy may also affect two-way communication because high-status people tend to talk more and most messages are directed to high-status members
reaction formation
avoid facing an unpleasant truth by acting opposite to the way that they feel (laughing and telling jokes at a funeral)
Territoriality
behavior characterized by identification with an area in a way that dictates ownership and a willingness to defend against those who may invade it, relates to personal boundaries and is determined by the nature of a relationship (waiting to be invited into an office rather than walking in)
benedict arnold
betrayer, supplies confidential information to the other group
whiner
complains about having to participate in group task
what is defensiveness, and how does it affect others in communication? What decreases defensiveness?
defensiveness is a barrier to effective communication. decrease defensiveness - non-blaming communication, when sender is willing to share in solution to problem, honest requests, empathy, equal basi
rationalization
development of a logical but false explanation that protects a person's self concept (failed test because of poor teaching)
what has some research shown about the physiological effects in later life that can be caused in part by a person's lack of physical contact with a parent during infancy?
emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development of children will be severely stunted eczema, allergies, and certain other medical problems are in part caused by a person's lack of physical contact with a parent during infancy
hull house
established by Jane Addams, was the first settlement house. It provided services to individuals who needed immediate held, such as food, shelter, and information on and referral for other series. served as a model for the establishment of settlement houses in other areas of Chicago and other larger cities.
catastrophe crier
exaggerates severeness of problems
shirker
fails to do anything for the group
stereotype
fixed mental images of a group that are applied to all its members
Tuckman's Model of Group Development
forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning
guiltmaker
guilt-tripping others
selling
high task, high maintenance
telling
high task, low maintenance
Northen and Kurland model of group development
inclusion orientation,uncertainty exploration, mutuality goal achievement, separation termination
Describe the ecological model's the three areas of focus in working with clients/client systems
individuals, families, small groups
theory of social comparison
innate need to compare yourself to others
withholder
keeps resources or keeps from contributing
trait approach leadership
leaders are born, not made
position approach leadership
leadership in terms of the authority of a position
distribution function approach to leadership
leadership is shared among members, the performance of acts that help the group maintain itself and reach its goals
servant leadership approach
looks to the needs of the group and promote members to unfold their full potential and abilities
participating
low task, high maintenance
delegating
low task, low maintenance
adjourning
members prepare for disbandment
compensation
offsetting a real or fancied defect or inferiority by creating a real or fancied achievement or superiority (divorced father attempts to soften children's pain by buying them expensive gifts)
non operational goal
one that cannot be achieved through specific actions, much harder to achieve than an operational goal (ex: cure all problems)
subject changer
one who shifts conversation when it approaches an area of conflict
bear
openly expresses anger)
In what ways can body language signal a person's economic status?
posture, eye contact, gestures
Identify and describe the stages of the Garland, Jones and Kolodny model of group development.
pre affiliation, power and control, intimacy, differentiation, separation
What are social casework services, and who provides them?
provided by nearly every social welfare agency that provides direct services to people. Examples will be counseling runaway youths, helping unemployed people secure training, counseling someone suicidal, placing homeless child in adoptive care, helping alcoholics acknowledge they have a drinking problem, etc
eager beaver
says they'll do but doesn't do
paranoic
suspicious and distrustful
beltliner
talks about sensitive topics, low blow
active listening.
the receiver of a msg tries to understand what the sender's msg means or what the sender is feeling and then the receiver puts this understanding into his or her own words and restates it for the sender's verification (reflecting feelings and/or restating content)
projection
unconsciously attribute unacceptable ideas and impulses to others (make others look bad and convincing yourself that others are trying to make you look bad)
conformity
yielding to pressure from the group, a member experiences conflict between the influences exerted by the group and their personal values