Phases in Group Development: The Negative Evidence
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1984
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1177/104649648401500101
Abstract
Evidence contrary to the widely held view that groups move through discernible developmental phases is analyzed in detail. Definitional issues relating to "phases in group development " and "group types " are considered. Reviews and thirteen studies (to 1981) cited by others as not supporting the existence of developmental trends are mterpreted in this context. Methodological and conceptual problems are noted. The negative evidence as such does not seem persuasive. It ts concluded that researchers' attention should no longer be devoted to trying to provide a yes or no answer to the question "Do groups change?" but rather to identifying significant differences and similarities in group development among various groups and types of groups, and to relating variations in developmental processes to important group outcomes.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Small Group Research, v. 15, issue 1, p. 3-32
Scholar Commons Citation
Cissna, Kenneth N., "Phases in Group Development: The Negative Evidence" (1984). Communication Faculty Publications. 534.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/spe_facpub/534
