SPRING
2000 THEORY WORKBOOK
Table
of Contents General
Contexts
Intrapersonal Communication (Persuasion) Applied Contexts Last updated February 24, 2000
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SPRING 2000 THEORY WORKBOOK SMALL
GROUP CONTEXT Social Loafing Explanation of Theory: Theorists: Latane, Williams, and Harkins Date: 1979 Primary Article: Individual Interpretations: When in a group, especially in a group
of considerable size (10 or more), it is easy to feel unneeded or
inadequate. Feelings such as these are what create social loafers
in a group. The main problem in cases such as these are not the loafers
themselves, but the organizers of the group that put so many individuals
together to achieve a task. It is far more difficult to achieve a
task when there are more individuals than needed. However, there are
the cases in which the individual is simply too lazy to do the work
needed to complete a task. This "deadwood" is not the cause of poor
Metatheoretical Assumptions: Being a Scientific theory, the following metatheoretical assumptions should be advanced: Ontological Assumptions: There are many different paths this theory can take in terms of group atmosphere and the outcomes of using and not using certain communication styles. Epistemological Assumptions: Given the fact that each group member has the free will to take on certain roles and adopt certain communication styles leads to the conclusion that there is no determinism in this theory. Axiological Assumptions: The Constellation model shows no signs of being value laden, making this theory lean towards the scientific side on the continuum (Griffin). Critique: Social Loafing Theory is a very important theory in relation to group contexts. Latane, Williams, and Harkins constructed this theory, and as a group was very successful in creating a very useful and informative theory. There needs to be a theory that explains the true nature of groups, and if a group is not formed correctly, the whole intention and purpose of group communication is is jeopardy, not to mention the loss of productivity that can occur as a result. Explanatory Power - The theorists have the ability to provide plausible explanations for the phenomenon in a very convincing fashion. Social Loafing Theory explains the circumstances surrounding the social loafer and the emergence of it, dealing ith the size of the group. Predictive Power - The theorists make one definite prediction, stating that as a group grows in number, there will emerge "social loafers." Parsimony - This is a very understandable theory that is not quite simplistic, yet it is simple enough to be expounded upon, built upon, and effective. Falsifiablity - Social Loafing is a theory that can easily and effectively tested by observation in a group setting. InternalConsistency - The theorists' logical claims are a definite marker of internal consistency. The phenomena of loafing within a group is clearly explained within the theory. Heuristic Provocativeness - This theory provides several ways to expound on it and provide new hypotheses concerning the emerging of the social loafer within a group context. Organizing Power - There is a definite sign of organization within this theory, given that three credible researchers collaborated on it and came up with this theory. Ideas and Implications: Social Loafing can be used to improve the quality of groups because it tells of the warning signs within a group to look for and aid in eliminating the chance for a social loafer to emerge. Example: Jacob is an example of a social loafer. However, it is not by Jacob's own doing. He simply feels intimidated and outnumbered within the group. Relevant Research: Littlejohn, S. W. (1989). Theories of Human Communication, 5th ed., Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth, 60. Brilhart, J. K. (1995). Effective Group Discussion, 8th ed. Dubuque, Iowa: Wm. C. Brown, 26. Location in Eight (8) Primary Communication Theory Textbooks: Anderson, R., & Ross, V. (1998). Questions of communication: A practical introduction to theory (2nd ed.). New York: St. Martin's Press. N/A Cragan, J. F., & Shields, D.C. (1998). Understanding communication theory: The communicative forces for human action. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. N/A Griffin, E. (2000). A first look at communication theory (4th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. N/A Griffin, E. (1997). A first look at communication theory (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. N/A Infante, D. A., Rancer, A. S., & Womack, D. F. (1997). Building communication theory (3rd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press. N/A Littlejohn, S. W. (1999). Theories of human communication (6th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. N/A West, R., & Turner, L. H. (2000). Introducing communication theory: Analysis and application. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. N/A Wood, J. T. (1997). Communication theories in action: An introduction. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. N/A |