Chapter 01 – Small Groups as the Heart of Society
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Chapter 01
Small Groups as the Heart of Society
Multiple Choice Questions
1. (p. 5) The first group you encounter in your life is the
A. friend group.
B. religious group.
2. (p. 5) In a survey of leading American companies, the ability to work in teams was ranked
_____, in a decreasing order of preference, by a majority of businesspeople when describing
characteristics of the ideal MBA (Master of Business Administration) graduate.
A. first
B. second
3. (p. 8) An advantage to group problem solving is that
A. a group as a whole takes less time to reach a solution than do individual members.
B. a group is more likely to reach a “correct” solution compared with its most skilled member.
4. (p. 8–9) Groups working on problems with multiple solutions typically make higher-quality
decisions than do individuals because
A. the groups have more information relevant to the problems than do individuals.
Chapter 01 – Small Groups as the Heart of Society
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5. (p. 9) Problems most suitable for groups are the ones
A. in which recognized experts have determined the best solution.
6. (p. 10) Extremely disliking or dreading participation in groups is called
A. inflexibility.
E. all of the answers are correct.
7. (p. 10–11) According to Marvin Shaw, an essential feature of a group is that each person
within the group
A. likes each other.
8. (p. 11) Which of the following best exemplifies a small group?
A. three people waiting at a bus stop
B. a married couple
9. (p. 11) Dyads are excluded from being considered as small groups because
A. they do not form leadership hierarchies.
B. they do not form networks.
10. (p. 11) Small groups usually consist of
D. 10–20 members.
E. 14–18 members.
Chapter 01 – Small Groups as the Heart of Society
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11. (p. 11) The term “small group” can be used interchangeably with the term
A. “collective.”
B. “unit.”
12. (p. 13) Communication that is mediated—via computers, telephones, and so forth—is
thought to lack
D. character.
E. none of the answers is correct.
13. (p. 14) The reasons that people give for joining groups reflect psychologist Wil Schutz’s
long recognized motivations for human interaction, which are one’s need for
D. belonging, openness, and self-actualization.
E. achievement, affiliation, and power.
14. (p. 15) A group that exists mainly to meet control needs, by solving all sorts of problems, is
called a(n)
A. committee.
15. (p. 17) Which of the following most closely resembles a secondary group?
D. five strangers playing basketball
E. none of the answers is correct.
16. (p. 19–20) Which of the following ethical standards does NOT contribute to effective group
problem solving?
A. Group members must be willing to share perspectives within the group.
B. Group members must treat their fellow members with respect.
Chapter 01 – Small Groups as the Heart of Society
24. (p. 12) _____ groups always meet in person and never use any form of technology, whereas
_____ groups never meet in person.
25. (p. 12) Rather than talking about face-to-face groups or virtual groups, it makes more sense
to consider the degree to which groups use technology to do their work and develop _____.
26. (p. 14) Primary groups are groups that are formed to meet the primary needs for _____ and
openness.
27. (p. 15) _____ groups exist mainly to meet control needs, by solving all sorts of problems.
28. (p. 15) _____ groups exist to help members understand and address personal issues or
problems.
29. (p. 16) A(n) _____ is a secondary group whose members meet to understand and learn about
a particular topic.
30. (p. 17) Even though a(n) _____ committee continues indefinitely, its membership is usually
changed regularly by election or appointment.
31. (p. 17–18) A(n) _____ work team is a group of peers who manage their own work schedules
and procedures within certain prescribed limits and who elect their own leader.
32. (p. 18) _____ refer to the rules or standards for right conduct or practice.
True/False Questions
33. (p. 5) Professionally, the higher you go in any organization, you will need to know how to
behave in ways that are appropriate and helpful to your group and to any larger organization
to which the group may be attached.
Chapter 01 – Small Groups as the Heart of Society
34. (p. 6) A group’s relational communication is less important than the task-oriented functions
of group work.
35. (p. 7) The benefits of having a group tackle a problem do not necessarily outweigh the costs
in time and tensions.
36. (p. 7) Group activity is not a preferred way to learn for any culture.
37. (p. 11) A small group refers to a group of five or more members.
38. (p. 13) Communication that is mediated is thought to lack social presence.
39. (p. 15) A secondary group that is designed to meet control needs does not supply members
with a sense of inclusion.
40. (p. 17) Most committees are formed by larger organizations to perform a service for the
organizations.
41. (p. 17) Ad hoc committees cease to exist when they have completed their special
assignments.
42. (p. 17) Self-managed work teams are groups of peers who manage their own work schedules
and procedures within certain prescribed limits.
43. (p. 17) In a self-managed work team, members are unable to perform several tasks for the
team because they are untrained.
44. (p. 19–20) It is unethical to remain silent in a group discussion when you have a relevant idea
that has not been mentioned.
45. (p. 20) Belittling another member for his or her dumb ideas is considered ethical if there is a
huge possibility of the ideas being risky.
46. (p. 20) It is unethical not to use one’s best critical thinking skills when evaluating
information, ideas, and proposals in a group.
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Essay Questions
47. (p. 5–7) Explain why small groups are considered the most important social formation.
Answers will vary.
48. (p. 7–10) Explain the benefits of having a group, compared with individuals, tackle a
problem.
Answers will vary.
49. (p. 9) List the problems that are appropriate for a group and the ones that are suitable for an
individual.
Answers will vary.
50. (p. 10–11) Differentiate between a group and a small group.
Answers will vary.
51. (p. 12–13) Explain the impact of technology on groups. Give an example of a positive and a
negative impact.
Answers will vary.
52. (p. 14–15) Compare primary and secondary groups.
Answers will vary.
53. (p. 18–20) Discuss the guidelines for ethical communication in small groups.
Answers will vary.
54. (p. 17–18) Describe an ad hoc or a standing committee. Explain whether a task force is an ad
hoc or a standing committee.
Answers will vary.
55. (p. 21) Who is a participant-observer? What is the role of a participant-observer in a group?
Answers will vary.