Groups Theory/Practice-Infotr

GROUPS: THEORY AND PRACTICE offers a current, interdisciplinary approach to group dynamics that balances a rigorous scientific approach with practical, relevant advice about developing group skills. Burn's balanced approach is distinguished by its ability to help students bridge the gap between important theories, research studies, and group practice. The book is also distinguished by its attention to diversity in groups, both in terms of individual differences (e.g. gender, race, and ethnicity) and culture among group members. The author's interdisciplinary emphasis makes the text appropriate for students from a wide variety of disciplines, including psychology, communications, business, nursing, and the helping professions. Both the practical and the research findings concerning diversity are presented. Such boxed features as Apply It and Self-and-Group Assessment allow readers to apply concepts and gain personal insight about their own leadership abilities. These activities span a wide range of course areas, encourage student participation within the classroom, and set the stage for lively discussions. To ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the course, Burn drew on her own experience in the classroom to create the Instructor's Manual and Test Bank.

Review :
"The book has covered basic group dynamics study and it also provides information, such as cross-cultural comparison of group study. In addition, it has good exercises for student 's participation." "The Apply It sections are mostly thought provoking questions that are not distracting, but engaging. They would be good distributed through out the chapters as they are. If things are included within the chapter, try to do them as sidebars with wrap around text. I would be interesting in reviewing this book for adoption when it is completed." "This manuscript provides excellent coverage of existing wisdom about how people function in groups and what elements contribute to effective group leadership. The material is first provided in a theoretical format and then presented in an interactive format. The exercises, in particular, offer an opportunity for readers to gain personal insight about their own leadership styles and what they respond to in other leaders." "Shawn M. Burn is Professor of Psychology and Child Development at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. A former department chairperson, she now focuses on teaching group dynamics, social psychology, research methods, and cross-cultural women's studies. She has a B.S. in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and her M.A. and Ph.D. are in applied social psychology from Claremont Graduate University. Other books she has authored are THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER (McGraw-Hill, 1996) and WOMEN ACROSS CULTURES: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE (McGraw Hill, 2000). She has published articles on a variety of topics, including intergroup conflict, heterosexism, and the use of social norms to promote environmentally responsible behavior. Her current group dynamics-related research includes a study on social identity deindividuation effects theory in regards to the eruption of crowd violence. She also serves as a group dynamics consultant and program evaluator." "These chapters are very well written. Students will find that the subject matter is well-organized, easy to follow and interesting to read." "Illustrations and examples are up to date and interesting." "The 'Apply It ' sections are a good idea. They invite students to think about the material they have just read, and I suspect, will help students retain the text material longer." "The 'Skill Review ' and 'Key Terms and Concepts ' sections and the study questions at the end of each chapter will be very helpful to students." "I liked the self-assessment section; they will help students reflect on their performance and isolate areas that need work." "While I do continue to like the exercises, examples, quotes and cartoons in the Johnson and Johnson book, I can clearly see how much easier this book is for undergraduates to read. This book also does a very nice job of explaining study results." "The author is to be congratulated on writing a clear and detailed text about conflict and leadership theory and research. I found this manuscript to be well-written and scholarly in nature. The author was able to clearly describe the theory and research of conflict and to demonstrate application of that theory and research. These practical solutions are what my students are looking for when they study group theory and when they work as groups."