SOCIOL 41 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Arthur Schuster
Sociology Department
Sociology 41
Small Group Dynamics
Professor Schuster
Course Code: 69150
Discussion Course Code: 69151
4 Units
No Prerequsites
Location: SSPA 1100
Notes
Lecture: Group Size
Group Size
● Number in group - interactions possible
○ 2-2
○ 3-9
○ 4-28
○ 5-75
○ 6-186
○ 7-441
○ 8-1056
● Triad
○ 1. A to B, C to A, A to B and C
○ 2. B to A, B to C, B to A and C
○ 3. A to C, C to B, C to A and B
Group Size and Complexity
● Variation in size affects group transactions
○ 1. Larger groups have more nonparticipation than smaller groups
○ 2. Smaller groups inhibit overt disagreement and signs of dissatisfaction more
than larger groups
○ 3. As groups increase in size, cooperation decreases
○ 4. Group members tend to be less satisfied with groups of 10 or more
○ The Best size for a group is the smallest size capable of performing the task
effectively
Effects of increasing group size
● Increases
○ Complexity
○ factionalism/cliques
○ Formally - more hierarchical
