PSYC3010
Applied Group Dynamics
Natasha Malcolm
natasha.malcolm@uwimona.edu.jm
“Whether a group is a family, a street
gang, a work group, an ethnic minority or
a network of friends, group membership
and influence are the most powerful
forces shaping our feelings, judgments,
and behaviours” (Baron, Kerr, Miller,
1992)

Groups serve a number of important human purposes and
Social Psychology has made the study of groups a central
feature of its endeavours. In Applied Group Dynamics, we
draw on a social psychological knowledge base to look at
groups in terms of theory, research and practice.
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This course in Applied Group Dynamics is specifically
designed for students interested in areas such as human
resource management, human resource development,
industrial/organisational psychology, labour relations and
negotiations, counselling and group facilitation.
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The aim of the course is to provide a foundation
in group dynamics and to introduce students to
theory, research and methods and the practice
of group analysis. The course also offers the
students experiential opportunities in group
interactions and processes.
At the end the course, students should
be able to do the following:
1.
Explain fully the nature and purpose of
groups and the processes associated with
their development
2.
Identify and characterize various types of
groups
3.
Critically assess the nature of individual
membership in groups and the impact of
group process upon individuals
4.
Identify major research findings; concepts/ principles/
theories of groups and show how they are/ can be
applied in practical group situations
5.
Identify and provide practical examples of group
performance enhancement skills.
6.
Demonstrate effective group behaviour skills such as
self-monitoring, communication and feedback as
means of effecting personal behaviour change within
the context of groups.
7.
Assess their behaviours in groups and the influences of
these behaviours on both self and the group.

Lectures - These will involve PowerPoint
presentations and general class discussions. There
will be one lecture each week for two hours

Tutorials –Your tutorials will be 2-hour workshoptype sessions where emphasis will be placed upon
the use of experiential and interactive methods.
Each student is expected to register and attend one
tutorial session each week. Please note that these
sessions are compulsory.
Student learning will be assessed by a combination of coursework
assignments and the end-of-course examination.
Coursework Assignment
This is worth 60% of the final grade and includes the following:
 Individual Assignment
10%
 Group Assignment # 1
35%
 Group Assignment # 2
15%
End of Course Examination
The end of course examination is worth 40% of the final grade.
Introduction

What is Applied Group Dynamics?
Defining and Assessing Groups

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Definitions of groups / Some basic elements of a group
Group Evolution
Group Structure and Processes
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Membership
Communication / The individual & the group
Norms in Groups
Group Tasks and Goals
Leadership
Decision Making and Problem Solving
Conflict Management & Resolution
Teams vs Groups

Napier, R. and Gershenfeld, N., 2004, Groups:
Theory and Experience, 7th ed. Haughton & Mifflin
Recommended:

Johnson, D. and Johnson, F.; 2012, Joining Together:
Group Theory & Group Skills, Allyn & Bacon (11th
ed.)
See extensive reading list on Course Outline
Coursework
Instructions
GROUP PROJECT# 1: 35%
 Due date: (Oral Presentations)
 – Written Submission
Students are asked to form groups of 7-9
members and each group is required to carry
out the following tasks:
1.

Create/establish a formal/informal group
(eg. club, society, organisation, etc), with a
particular goal/focus or interest.
The following are the expected output of this
section:
 Name/Purpose/Type of group (Typology of groups)
 Stated norms
 Logo, Motto and/or Mission Statement
(depending on the type of group)
2.
Identify and develop a project relevant to your
established group and implement it, or a
section of it!
The following are the expected outputs of this
section:
 Name and description of project
 Stated objectives of project (objectives should be
SMART)
 Assessment of group performance in relation to
objectives set
3.
Carry out continuous evaluation of your group
processes as you work to complete the assignment.
The evaluations must report on factors such as:
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Membership
Communication
Group Goals
Conflict
Leadership & Power
Norms
Group Evolution and Development
Group Decision Making
Conduct a 15 minutes presentation at the end of the
assignment. This presentation should entail:
4.
 A brief background of your working group
 A description of the group/club/institution you have created. This
should include:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Name of group
Purpose of group
Stated norms
Motto and/or Mission Statement
Logo
 A summary of how you identified, developed and implemented
your project. (DEMONSTRATION ARE ALLOWED IF NECESSARY
AND IF TIME PERMITS)
 Assessment of group’s performance
 A summary of your group processes
MAXIMUM
GRADE
ALLOWED
CATEGORIES
Group Oral Presentation (See details below)
10
WRITTEN REPORT (Analysis)
Introduction
3
Assessment of Group Processes & Group Productivity 13
Conclusion
4
Peer Assessment
5
Total
35
NB – See further details on Coursework Instruction Handout
GRADE
GIVEN TO
STUDENT
Instruction
Select one of the areas studied (See Course
Outline Topic Areas) and prepare and deliver a
15 minutes presentation to your peers in your
respective tutorials.
In your presentation, you are expected to establish a
link between your coursework group
issues/experiences and the topic you have selected
(provide details & examples etc)

The format of your presentation is entirely your
choice, but it should be interactive and include
group activities and/or video clips etc.

Presentation Dates – To be assigned in your
first tutorial
Content
Knowledge of the topic area demonstrated in
your presentation – accurate, relevant &
appropriate breath & depth of information
provided
5marks
Application
The extent to which your presentation relate the 5marks
topic area to current issues/experiences in your
groups
Creativity
Use of interactive/experiential methods/tools to 3marks
engage students and/or encourage class
participation
Presentation Time Management; Clarity, Organization &
Preparation
2marks
TOTAL
15%
Personal Course Reflections
Write about your group dynamics learning
experience during the period of this course:
In what ways were the experience significant?
(provide at least two examples)
 What did you learn? (state at least two things)
 What could you have done differently (state at
least one thing)
 How will what you learnt help you in the future
(make reference to specific group behaviours)

te about your group dynamics learning experience during the period of this course
Significance of
Experience
In what ways was the experience significant? (provide at least 3marks
two examples – eg. you may refer to course content, lectures,
tutorial experience, group experience, class interaction, etc etc
Learning
What did you learn? (state at least two things) – I figure these 3marks
should/would relate to the significant experiences above.
Opportunities/
Goals for
behaviour
change
What could you have done differently/What will you do
differently in a future group work experience? (state at least
one thing)
2marks
How will what you learnt help you in the future (make
reference to specific group behaviours)
2marks
TOTAL
10marks
EXAMPLE of a Team/Group Responsibility Matrix
Team Members
Major Tasks &
Maintenance
Responsibilities
1
2
3
4
Research/Gather Info
Scribe
Team Meeting Facilitator
*Task Completion focus
(general)
5
*Team Maintenance Focus
(general)
Responsibility Key
P
= Primary
S
= Secondary
C
= Communication Loop
NR
= No Responsibility
Resources
Needed
(optional)
Due
Date
Date
Done
Mary John
Mia
Nick
Rob
Some Important Criteria for Assigning
Responsibilities
 Knowledge/Skills
 Experience
 Interest
 Availability
Have a great semester
everyone!