Chapter 02 – Groups as Open Systems
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Chapter 02
Groups as Open Systems
Multiple Choice Questions
1. (p. 26) Something that helps us navigate unfamiliar territory and make decisions is called
a(n)
A. idea.
2. (p. 27) General systems theory is useful for understanding small groups because this theory
A. reminds us that small groups are simpler than they appear.
E. provides a group comparison to the “fight-or-flight” response of an individual.
3. (p. 28) It is assumed that the relevant parts of a small group system are connected through
A. understanding.
E. none of the answers is correct.
4. (p. 28) A system consists of a set of elements, and the elements function
A. simultaneously.
Chapter 02 – Groups as Open Systems
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5. (p. 29–30) Small group inputs refer to the
A. reports a committee produces.
B. ways in which group members resolve conflicts.
6. (p. 30–31) Throughput processes refer to the
A. physical setting in which a group meets.
B. cohesiveness that the members of a group experience.
7. (p. 26) General systems theory was developed by
D. Eric Schliemann.
E. John Dewey.
8. (p. 33) The idea that a group and its environment mutually influence each other is a focus of
A. an idyllic perspective.
B. a symbolic perspective.
9. (p. 35) Groups in which the members do not communicate with each other in the same time
and place are called
A. non-seeing groups.
B. fun groups.
10. (p. 40) The concept of multiple paths indicates that
A. there are numerous ways to improve the functioning of a system.
Commented [SM1]: Please check if “suggested by” should
be changed to “a focus of”
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11. (p. 35–36) Which of the following best exemplifies a closed system?
D. a person in an interview
E. a learning group
12. (p. 32) Which of the following is NOT an example of a small group output?
A. a report produced by a group
B. the satisfaction experienced by the members of a group after completing a job
13. (p. 35–36) Which of the following best exemplifies an open system?
D. a jury that deliberates on the penalty to be given to a convict
E. an advertising group that plans how to promote a new computer game system
14. (p. 37) Group members who manage the group’s interaction with its environment are called
A. negotiators.
B. go-between members.
15. (p. 33–34) Which of the following best exemplifies an interdependent group goal?
A. every member of a study group hoping to get the highest test scores
B. a group of sales representatives competing for a promotion
16. (p. 38–40) Which of the following best exemplifies feedback within a group?
A. the members’ knowledge of PowerPoint
“group” or “agency”
Commented [SM3]: Please check if a particular style
needs to be followed for “not/except” question.
Chapter 02 – Groups as Open Systems
17. (p. 39–40) The best way to give critical feedback is to
A. be straight and avoid worrying about feelings.
18. (p. 40) A hockey team has high morale because of several reasons. The team won most of
its games, its fans cheered enthusiastically, the captain was respected by all players, and the
players enjoyed being together. Which of the following principles of groups does this scenario
exemplify?
A. interdependence
19. (p. 40) Which of the following terms suggests that groups starting out the same may end up
in very different places?
E. open system
20. (p. 41) When a group’s output is worse than expected given the abilities of the group
members, it is called
A. equifinality.
B. feedback.
Fill in the Blank Questions
21. (p. 26) A(n) _____ is a “map of reality,” something that helps individuals navigate
unfamiliar terrain and make decisions.
22. (p. 38) A system consists of a set of elements that function _____.
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34. (p. 41) _____ refers to the fact that when group members come together, they create an
entirely unique entity that is something other than just a collection of individual parts.
35. (p. 41) In groups experiencing _____, the output is worse than expected given the abilities
of the group members.
True/False Questions
36. (p. 26) General systems theory was created by a theoretical physicist.
37. (p. 30) When forming a group to complete a group project, the members’ attitudes toward
the project best exemplify inputs to the project group.
38. (p. 29–30) The style of leadership practiced within a group is an example of a small group
input variable.
39. (p. 33) There is frequent communication within a group as well as between the group and
other larger groups.
40. (p. 32) A group’s outputs may include changes in its processes and procedures.
41. (p. 33) Members of groups often belong to other groups that simultaneously influence and
are influenced by them.
42. (p. 30–31) For the throughput process to be successful, group members should discourage
ideas and remain closed minded.
43. (p. 37) Open systems have no disadvantages; they are the most superior systems.
44. (p. 39) Feedback is the environment’s response to a system’s output.
45. (p. 38) Interdependence refers to the fact that the elements of a system mutually influence
each other.
TRUE
Chapter 02 – Groups as Open Systems
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46. (p. 39–40) The source of feedback is not considered as important as its content.
47. (p. 39–40) The best way to give critical feedback in a group is to not give it.
48. (p. 40) Given two successful, experienced sports teams, one may end up losing many of its
games, while the other may win a championship; this scenario best exemplifies multifinality.
49. (p. 37) Boundary spanning connects a group to useful people, resources, and other groups.
50. (p. 38) When members bring up borders, they work to increase the cohesiveness and smooth
functioning of their team.
Essay Questions
51. (p. 26–28) Explain the different ways in which the systems perspective is useful when
studying small groups.
Answers will vary.
52. (p. 38–40) Describe the term “interdependence,” and give examples to explain how the
various elements of a small group are interdependent. Analyze whether it is possible for a
factor to affect only one part of a group and not the other parts.
Answers will vary.
53. (p. 29–32) Give at least three examples each of small group inputs, throughput processes, and
outputs.
Answers will vary.
54. (p. 39) Discuss the influence of computer-mediated communication on a system.
Answers will vary.
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55. (p. 35–38) Differentiate between open and closed systems. Explain the different ways in
which boundary spanners work.
Answers will vary.
56. (p. 38–40) Explain what is meant by feedback in a system. Discuss its usefulness within a
group.
Answers will vary.
57. (p. 39–40) Give a few examples of feedback that a classroom project group is most likely to
receive. Discuss the ways to give critical feedback in an efficient manner.
Answers will vary.
58. (p. 40–43) Describe the concepts of multiple causes, multiple paths, and synergy; explain how
they affect a group’s final outcome.
Answers will vary.
59. (p. 28–42) Identify the different small groups that exist within your college or place of
employment. Describe the different ways in which these groups interact with each other.
Explain how interaction, or lack of it, seems to affect an organization.
Answers will vary.