Publisher's Synopsis
This specialized text presents a theory-and research-based approach to the study of small group communication. The premise of the book is that students, before forming their own implicit (self-defined) theories about group discussion, conflict, decision making, and leadership, should be taught the explicit (research-driven and proven) theories developed by social scientists.
The authors take the firm stance that skills-oriented texts (and course) in small groups are deficient in the sense that they teach a repertoire of skills without also helping students understand the circumstances under which they should use these skills.
The text presents a wide spectrum of theories and discusses the development and merit of each. Chapters build upon each other; the authors point out that this necessitates instructors to make certain students grasp one chapter's concepts before moving on to the next. They also begrudging suggest that the book be accompanied by (or preceded by) a skills/applications oriented text to ensure that the full spectrum of small group discussion is covered.
