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LANGARA COLLEGE
Department of Psychology
PSYCHOLOGY 3220
PSYCHOLOGY OF GROUP DYNAMICS
Fall Session 2011
CRN:
Class Section:
Class Time:
Class Location:
Prerequisite:
30342
001
M W 10:30-12:20
B149
PSYC 1115/1215
Instructor: J.W. Barton, Ph.D.
Office: B252d
Telephone: 604- 323 5878
Email: jbarton@langara.bc.ca
Course Description
Psychology 3220 will explore the processes that occur among individuals within groups,
as well as the processes involved when groups interact with each other. The course will
examine the functions and structure of groups, leadership, conformity, group decision
making, influence, power, group performance and productivity. Students will also gain
knowledge about conflict and cooperation within groups and between groups.
Required Text
Forsyth, D. R., Group Dynamics (5th Ed.) 2010
Wadsworth Cengage Learning
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
The primary objective is to acquire knowledge of the purpose and use of groups in
social work practice. Including an understanding of group theory, stages of group
development, the ability to identify and assess various aspects of group
functioning and group dynamics.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
. Synthesize information presented in both lecture and textbook.
. Demonstrate understanding of the basic characteristics, determinants, and
interventions in Group Dynamics.
. Develop critical thinking skills with regard to evaluating information about
Group Dynamics.
. Improve oral presentation skills – communication tools vital to effective
functioning in work settings and/or further education.
. Work effectively in a group dynamic toward a common goal also crucial to the
development of effective work functioning.
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Course Requirements
The course evaluation will be based on:
A)
B)
Three Examinations
One Class Group Research Presentation.
A)
Examinations
Examination I
Examination II
Examination III
Examination IV
B)
Class Group Research Presentation
A)
EXAMINATIONS
(20%) Monday, September 26, 2011
(20%) Wednesday, October 19, 2011
(20%) Monday, Novemeber 14, 2011
(20%) As scheduled by the Registrar
(20%)
To Be Assigned
1.
Examinations will consist of objective questions covering both lecture and
textbook content. The length of each examination will be 1.5 hours.
2.
Each examination is exclusively based on the lecture content and assigned
textbook readings - as outlined on page 5.
3.
Examination results will be posted on Langara Blackboard.
4.
Students will have an opportunity to review their examinations by arranging a
time with the Lab Instructor one week following the scheduled examination
(only).
5.
Absence from a scheduled examination will result in a grade of zero.
6.
Dishonest conduct at examinations including: use of electronic devices,
communication with other students, copying work, exposing information or
removing examination questions papers from the classroom will result in
disciplinary measures in accordance with the Langara College Academic
Dishonesty Policy accessible through the College website at
www.langara.bc.ca
7.
Students should be advised that this is a language intensive course requiring
an adequate level of English proficiency as per the College Language
Competency Policy.
8.
Office hours are posted outside my office at Room B252d.
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CLASS GROUP RESEARCH PRESENTATION (20%)
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B)
1.
The presentation will be presented in groups of two. You may select a partner
and then choose a research topic within the area of Group Dynamics.
2.
Select one research article from a refereed journal which investigates some
aspect of your chosen topic, i.e.Topic:CollectiveViolence;Aspect: Deindividuation.
3.
Prepare a 10-minute power point class presentation on one research articles.
4.
Make a duplicate copy of the research article abstract for each member of the
class (40 copies) which also will be critiqued by the class members collectively in
a brief discussion following the presentation.
5.
Use the following guidelines to critique research articles:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Introduction: A general overview of the current state of the art.
Research Source: What journal does your research come from?
Research Hypothesis: What is the research question being postulated?
Subjects: Describe the subjects used in the study and how they were
selected.
e) Variables: Describe the variables being manipulated, measured and
controlled.
f) Methodology: Outline how the experiment was conducted.
g) Results: Briefly state the results of the study.
h) Summary and Conclusions: What conclusions did the investigators draw
from their study?
i) Strengths and Weaknesses: Identity two or three strengths and weaknesses
of the selected study. You might review the following page entitled: 25
Characteristics of Good Research which may serve to assist you in
addressing this dimension. In addition, you should be prepared to conduct a
short class discussion on your topic following your presentation.
N.B.
The time and date of class research presentations will be assigned by the
instructor.
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25 CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH
1.
Problem is clearly stated.
2.
Hypotheses or expected outcomes are clearly stated.
3.
Problem is significant.
4.
Assumptions are clearly stated.
5.
Limitations of the study are stated.
6.
Important terms are defined.
7.
Relationship of the problem to previous research is made clear.
8.
Research design is described fully.
9.
Research design is appropriate to the solution of the problem.
10.
Research design is free of specific weaknesses. (internal validity)
11.
Population and sample are described.
12.
Method of sampling is appropriate.
13.
Data gathering methods or procedures are described.
14.
Data gathering methods or procedures are appropriate to the solution of the
problem.
15.
Data gathering methods or procedures are utilized correctly.
16.
Validity and reliability of the evidence gathered are established.
17.
Appropriate methods are selected to analyze the data.
18.
Methods utilized in analyzing the data are applied correctly.
19.
Results of the analysis are presented clearly.
20.
Conclusions are clearly stated.
21.
Conclusions are substantiated by the evidence presented.
22.
Generalizations are confined to the population from which the sample was
drawn.
23.
Report is clearly written.
24.
Report is logically organized.
25.
Tone of the report displays an unbiased, impartial scientific attitude.
Wandt, E. A Cross-Section of Education Research. New York: David McKay,
2005.
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COURSE CONTENT
Date
General Topic
Assigned Readings
September 7
Course Content and Requirements
September 12
Introduction
Forsyth: Chapter 1
September 14
Studying Groups
Forsyth: Chapter 2
September 19
Inclusion and Identity
Forsyth: Chapter 3
September 21
Formation
Forsyth: Chapter 4
September 26
Examination I (25%)
Forsyth: Chapters 1,2,3,4
September 28
Cohesion and Development
Forsyth: Chapter 5
October 3
Cohesion and Development
October 5
Structure
October 10
Thanksgiving Holiday; College Closed
October 12
Influence
Forsyth: Chapter 7
October 17
Power
Forsyth: Chapter 8
October 19
Examination II (25%)
Forsyth: Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8
October 24
Leadership
Forsyth: Chapters 9
October 26
Performance
Forsyth: Chapters 10
October 31
Performance
Forsyth: Chapter 10
November 2
Decision Making
Forsyth: Chapter 11
November 7
Teams
Forsyth: Chapter 12
November 9
Teams
November 14
Examination III (25%)
Forsyth: Chapters 9 - 12
November 16
Conflict
Forsyth: Chapter 13
November 21
Intergroup Relations
Forsyth: Chapter 14
Forsyth: Chapter 6
5
Groups in Context
Forsyth: Chapter 15
November 28
Groups and Change
Forsyth: Chapter 16
November 30
Crowds and Collective Behavior
Forsyth: Chapter 17
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November 23
As Scheduled by Registrar
h:/barton.3304
Examination IV
Forsyth: Chapters 13 - 17
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Grading System:
Grade
h:/barton.3304
Numerical Value
Achievement Level
Description
A+
4.33
95% and above
A
4.00
90% and 94%
Outstanding
A-
3.67
85% to 89%
Achievement
B+
3.33
80% to 84%
B
3.00
75% to 79%
Good
B-
2.67
70% to 74%
Achievement
C+
2.33
65% to 69%
C
2.00
60% to 64%
Satisfactory
C-
1.67
55% to 59%
Achievement
D
1.00
50% to 54%
Marginal
Achievement
F
0.00
49% and below
Unsatisfactory
Achievement
UN
0.00
Student completed less than 70% of the
total evaluation of the course, including
attendance and participation
where these are course
requirements.