Thursday, August 27, 2020

Conceptual Art as a Response to Modernism Thesis

Applied Art as a Response to Modernism - Thesis Example The paper Calculated Art as a Response to Modernism breaks down applied workmanship. Calculated workmanship was an evaluate and a pushback against innovation, just in light of the fact that innovation had a structure and a spot in history and hypothesis of craftsmanship. As indicated by Harrison and Wood, pioneer craftsmanship expect the connection among workmanship and language and workmanship and hypothesis. Hypothetical craftsmanship, as per Harrison and Wood is post hoc, in that it expands upon custom and what has gone previously. In this sense, innovator workmanship, while new and a disavowal of customary artistic expressions, despite everything held a similarity to past fine arts. The innovators investigated the future in their craft, and constructed their ideas on the â€Å"new man,† yet, the structures that they investigated didn't wander to a long way from conventional craftsmanship, as they searched for a â€Å"different methods for articulation most appropriate to every part of his language: line, surface and color†. At the end of the day, craftsmen investigated various thoughts and various methods of making craftsmanship, and various methods for articulation, yet these investigations happened inside the bounds of acknowledged works of art, for example, painting, mold and so forth. In this way, it is maybe amusing that one of the dads of the theoretical craftsmanship development was a man who was related with innovation, and that was Marcel Duchamp. Duchamp was the primary craftsman who conceptualized ordinary things as centerpieces. Or on the other hand, rather, he was the main craftsman who had the option to transform ordinary things into masterpieces, essentially by expressing that these things were something different completely.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Lets Talk About Dying

Introduction Summary Greg Konen In Peter Saul’s (2011) â€Å"Let’s Talking about Dying† talk, he opened up with an exceptionally powerful articulation that when 2000 synapses kick the bucket day by day he contends that our perishing procedure actually really has begun. As a doctor, he reports that he has seen numerous adjustments over the most recent thirty years. One critical change is the job of innovation in social insurance. Innovation, he contends, is credited with life drawing out, instead of life saving.He additionally expresses that interminable sicknesses are presently taking control in the perishing procedure. He proposed that the four different ways to pass on are: (an) abrupt demise, (b) terminal sickness, (c) organ disappointment, and (d) feebleness (Saul, 2011). Unexpected demise is declining because of innovation and expanded instruction. Terminal sickness is typically held for the more youthful individual. Organ disappointment will lead individual s into the Intensive Care Unit of the nearby medical clinic. He reports that there is multiple times more pressure related with this kind of death (Saul, 2011).He additionally expresses that one of every five United States residents will encounter this sort of death (Saul, 2011). The last method to kick the bucket, fragility, is the thing that the vast majority will encounters. Life span breeds delicacy. This waning limit is an inescapable piece of maturing (Saul, 2011). This expanded life span prompts longer life; not really better life (Saul, 2011). The key for human services experts is regarding understanding decisions (Saul, 2011).To investigate this idea, Saul embraced some exploration endeavors to investigate the withering procedure in Australia. He found that one out of one hundred patients had propelled mandates which he called a â€Å"dialogue† (Saul, 2011). A diagram checked on indicated that the social insurance calling neglected to address the requirements of cutt ing edge orders with their patients (Saul, 2011). Saul contended that regarding understanding decisions should simply be typical practice for medical clinics (Saul, 2011).He summed up his discussion by expressing that the two most significant inquiries in regards to the withering procedure are: (a) who would you like to settle on your choices? also, (b) have you addressed that individual? (Saul, 2011). His end quote by Dame Cicely Saunders, â€Å"You matter since you will be you, and you matter to the last snapshot of your life† is a piercing update that a great many people need, and merit control, in the withering procedure. Reference Saul, T. , (2011, November). Let’s talk about biting the dust. Recovered from http://www. ted. com/talks/peter_saul_let_s_talk_about_dying. html

Friday, August 21, 2020

Part 2 of This I Believe - Part 2

Part 2 of This I Believe - Part 2I believe in The Power of This I Believe, in Part I and Part II, The power of this is to make you believe you have a power and when you don't have it. In Part I we did just that; we said this is the power of this I believe.It's an incredible thing to be able to have a faith, a faith for something and you don't have it in yourself. I can think of a couple of people in this room right now who are better people than I am. They just do not believe.They just don't believe, I am going to get to it and go out and do unbelievable things. That's why I have such amazing support and friends. They believe it, and they're better people for believing it, they have such a good character. I believe that if you practice a lot you will get better at believing it and then they never give up.I believe there are many people who are right on the right track and they just don't know it. You just have to believe in something and when you are convinced of it, then there is no struggle and when there is no struggle, then you get to achieve all the goals you have set for yourself. If you want to go for anything and everything you need to go for a belief in your life and your dreams.It's an amazing thing and you can't just try and believe it and hope it will come to you. You have to use something as leverage to get to your goal because it's not going to just fall into your lap.There is an incredible way to harness this energy in your mind and let it run the race for you. This thing I believe in has to be second nature to you. You can't be upset about this or get mad about this, you just have to believe in it. If you learn how to do this, then you will be successful at anything.Now what this does is if you can harness this energy and turn it into great things, it will happen automatically. This is the key to success in everything that you do and it is going to save you more time and money, so I would urge you to consider it.To this I say I believe. Here is Part II of my That's I Believe essay. Go and get your copy today and go for greatness.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Essay on Theory Critique Crabb and Hawkins - 1241 Words

Theory Critique: Crabb and Hawkins Liberty University Summary of the Content Both authors express many overlapping elements of revealed truth in regard to the process of counseling and the problems that are derived in the life of clients and people suffering from disorders and psychologically unhealthy mindsets. Hawkins utilizes a theory of 5 concentric circles defining the human psyche and physiology. Hawkins goes on to relay his theory of counseling that utilizes 4 phases in which the counselor and the client work through the issues that hinder the client and formulate a plan of action in which the client is assisted in overcoming issues and able to become accountable and productive within the community. Crabb’s (1977) theory of†¦show more content†¦Hawkins continues to track the action plan of the counseling process and to follow its progress. He does this with a strategy in which 4 phases are modeled in a grid (Hawkins, 2012). Phase 1 is a listening and understanding phase for the counselor. In Phase 2 the counselor begins to set the direc tion and proposes and pre tests drawing out proposals from the client for an action plan thus also reality testing the client’s proposal for action as well. During Phase 3 the counselor directs a formation for a plan of action which is collaboratively structured by both client and counselor, the client must take ownership for implementation while the counselor takes ownership for the assistance in development of the plan for action. In the final Phase 4 the counselor supports the commitment for change within the client’s action plan by arranging for accountability within the community (Hawkins, 2012). Evaluation of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Crabb Dr. Crabb (1977) utilizes four aspects of integration involved in the goal of counseling, which as he expresses within his view the goal of counseling is Christ likeness based on a foundation of spiritual and psychological maturity. The four approaches are labeled by Crabb (1977) as such; 1) separate but equal,Show MoreRelatedTheory Critique of Crabb and Hawkins Essay826 Words   |  4 PagesTheory Critique of Crabb and Hawkins Jeremy Poling Liberty University Integration Dr. Crabb suggests that there are four viewpoints to integrating spirituality and psychology. The first being â€Å"Separate but Equal† This viewpoint ascertains that psychology and spirituality do not mix any more than if a person needs a filling for a cavity or the excising of their wisdom teeth, they do not peruse the scripture for direction the person goes to a dentist. This view is not solid for its veryRead MoreChristian Counseling and Secular Psychology 1320 Words   |  6 PagesTheory Critique In our fast passed and ever changing society, personal experiences built up over time and often make life difficult to deal with over time. Everyone has their own prospective on what is important and how they will tackle various problems they face from day to day. It is the responses to our harsh environment and experiences that can often manifest into feelings such as: anxiety, resentment and possibly guilt (Crabb, 1977). It is those that have negative experiences in life thatRead MoreComparing Adams with Backus and Chapian1451 Words   |  6 PagesTheory Comparisons 1 Comparing and Contrasting Crabb’s Effective Biblical Counseling with Hawkins Model For Guiding The Counseling Process Craig L. Rich Counseling 507 Dr. Evans Liberty University August 27, 2012 Comparing Theories 2 In this paper, I will discussing Crabb’s Effective Biblical Counseling (1977) and the Hawkins Model for GuidingRead MoreCritique of Crabb Hawkins738 Words   |  3 PagesA Critique of Two Theories Betty Finney Liberty University COUN 507 Summary Dr. Crabb ‘s model integrates theology and psychology and refers to it as, â€Å"Spoiling the Egyptians (Crabb, 1977). His approach geared more to sound biblical principles and doctrine. I researched â€Å"Spoiling the Egyptians†, as to, I was curious about the scripture base. Spoiling the Egyptians refers to Exodus 12:40-42, as God watched over the Israelites as they went through the wildernessRead MoreTheory Critique1539 Words   |  7 PagesA Critique of Two Theoretical Models: Crabb and Hawkins Amy E. Yesalavich Liberty University COUN 507-B09 Dr. Alan Cheney May 27, 2012 Summary Psychology has been primarily viewed as a methodical system that seeks empirical evidence to explain nature, while theology is often viewed as reasoning based on man’s eternal destiny as discussed in biblical teachings. Falsities are held within both of these historical beliefs. PsychologyRead MoreCrabb Theory Critique1057 Words   |  5 PagesCrabb and Hawkins Theory Critique Sherrie Miller Liberty University COUN 507 201220 B03 January 29, 2012 Dr. Timothy Heck January 29, 2012 Introduction/Summary The integrative Christian perspective of Lawrence Crabb in his book, Effective Biblical Counseling is enlightening on the simplest level. The overall presentation and concept creates much introspection of motives, which threaten ones biblical thinking and behavior patterns that create relationship and personal problems. ThereRead MoreThe Integration of Christianity and Psychology3666 Words   |  15 PagesPersonal Theory Paper: Future Counseling Theory Paper Bethany F. Miracle Liberty University Abstract In this paper, I discussed my personal theory regarding the integration of Christianity and psychology, as it relates to my beliefs, and how the summation of these two components will be reflected in my future counseling practice. I considered several factors that were critical to my personal counseling theory. First, I considered the human personality, such as, individual differences, motivationsRead MorePersonal Theory Paper3660 Words   |  15 PagesPersonal Theory Paper Evie Kuhn Liberty University Abstract This paper is the development of my personal theory on Christian Counseling. I use many scriptural references to support my beliefs and stress the importance of gaining wisdom and knowledge from the bible. It incorporates all of the presentations, readings, and critiques I did at Liberty University’s Theology and Spirituality in counseling course. I talk about how I integrate Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality into my Christian

Friday, May 15, 2020

Functionalism from Classical to Contemporary Theory

Functionalism is a social theory that has its foundations in the birth of the discipline called sociology (Adams Sydie, 2002 p.05). Angste Comte, considered the founder of sociology, believed that sociological matters should be explained through scientific study. Functionalism is a method of study based primary on facts, objectively measured, essentially applying the scientific method to the study of society, social actions and interactions. Functionalism is interested in the relationships between systems within society. Functionalism is a top down theory that looks for grand scale explanations to society. As a sociological theory, Functionalism sees social structure or the organization of society as more important than the individual.†¦show more content†¦Parsons pattern variables closely resemble the work by Durkheim on division of labor that makes individuals dependent upon one another because of the professionalization and specialization of the labor force. Durkheim was concerned about how the division of labor changed the way that people felt they were part of society. Durkheim used the terms organic and mechanical societies, these would also be analogous with Max Weber’s traditional and modern society. Parsons pattern variables were more complex that the concepts by Durkheim in an attempt to better explain social action between people or groups (Adams Sydie, 2002 p.16). Parsons student, Robert Merton a mid-range theorist contributed to the modernization of sociological functionalism by challenging the foundational hypotheses of Functionalism that all functions serve a purpose or they fade from society (Adams Sydie, 2002 p.26). Merton claims that, in a differentiated modern society not all functions may be relevant to a systems needs or may they provide secondary functions. Merton’s manifest and latent functions indicate that a function that services a primary need in society could also provide a secondary service. This may be observed in viewing the intended function of marijuana prohibition. The intended or manifest function of marijuana prohibition is to prevent the use of a conscious altering substance; the latent function has been the overcrowding of the prisons in theShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Theory in Social Research1613 Words   |  7 PagesThe role of theory in social research is that without a sociological theory, nothing can be sociological. Facts disconnected from theory are just facts. Theory makes the facts speak; the facts don’t and cannot speak for themselves. Without a connection to other facts, we cannot assess anything. With theory, you can relate facts to each other. Theory is the body of interrelated logical concepts or universals that connect to empirical facts and phenomena. Empirical research is okay as long as thereRead MoreCompare and Contrast Structuralism and Functionalism1310 Words   |  6 PagesSTRUCTURALISM AND FUNCTIONALISM In my opinion both of the theories structuralism and functionalism involved the study of the human mind and how it works and they were both concerned with the mind at the conscious level. Personally, my feel of the two is that functionalism is more important than structuralism. I believe that functionalism is far better school than structuralism as it is more flexible and scientific in nature which I can relate myself with. I happen to think that functionalism is an objectRead MoreTalcott Parsons And Structural Functionalism1428 Words   |  6 Pages Structural functionalism, or simply functionalism, is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. This approach looks at society through a macro-level orientation, which is a broad focus on the social structure that shape society as a whole, and believes that society has evolved like organisms. This approach looks at both social structure and soci al institutions. A common analogy, popularized by Herbert SpencerRead MoreGestalt Psychology1707 Words   |  7 Pages1 WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY? Multiple Choice Questions 1. The term â€Å"psyche† when translated from the Greek is most closely associated with the term A) habit. B) life. C) study. D) mind. 2.The essential difference between behavior and mental processes is A) complexity. B) observability. C) controllability. D) ease of description. 3. Why is psychology a science? A) It attempts to separate the elements of the mind. B) It uses rigorous methods of observation. C) It has more than one researchRead Morecheat sheet1448 Words   |  6 Pages1. The sociological perspective, as a way of thinking about the world, includes the sociological imagination from C. Wright Mills, the beginner’s mind from Bernard McGrane, and the idea of culture shock from anthropology. Explain what all three of these concepts have in common. Response: All three of these concepts have in common are the idea of breaking down social barriers to gain a different perspective on culture people and behaviors. When a person is in a new area where the culture is differentRead MoreHistorical Roots Of The 20th Century1329 Words   |  6 PagesSociological roots can be traced back in the works of thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Confucius. However, according to ‘classical origins’, it emerged in the early 19th century as a reaction to the challenges of modern society. Growing, belief in science, mobility and technical development brought crucial changes in the way people saw life, such as the collapse of traditional norms and loss of religion authority. Social scientists and thinkers of that time reacted to these changes and tried toRead MoreDurkheim s Theory Of Social Facts1071 Words   |  5 PagesAssignment 1 Introduction to Sociology SO1005 Q) Critically evaluate Durkheim’s theory of ‘Social Facts’ and how might it be used for a study of contemporary society. In this essay, I will go on to examine Durkheim’s theory of social facts from his book and evaluate how might it be used in contemporary society, ‘The Rules of Sociological Method.’ Durkheim is one of the pioneers of the functionalism and is considered to be one of the founders of classic sociology. Durkheim states that theRead MoreStructural Functionalism and Conflict Theory1541 Words   |  7 PagesStructural Functionalism amp; Conflict Theory Karl Marx and Max Weber were the first conflict theorists in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following Marx and Weber were three mid-20th century conflict theorists: Lewis Coser, Ralf Dahrendorf, and Randall Collins. Coser draws his theoretical ideas from Simmel. Like Simmel, Coser maintains that conflict is healthy for society. In contrast, Dahrendorf combines theoretical ideas from Marx and Weber. Dahrendorf sees power as the main feature in allRead MoreMexican Society in the eyes of Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim1118 Words   |  5 Pagesto explore a current event in Mexican society and the influence of social media which we attempt to view through the eyes of both Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim. We will focus on Karl Marx’s conflict theory of capitalism and Emile Durkheim’s structural functionalism theory of dynamic density. Both theories remain relevant today, and a correlation exists regarding the effect of social media on egoistic versus altruistic states of ano mic suicide in present society. In summation of the article, the MexicanRead MoreSociology : A Sociological Perspective1292 Words   |  6 Pagesorder, disorder, and change. Three Main Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology Functional Perspective Conflict Perspective Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Functional Perspective Conflict perspective Symbolic interaction perspective Classical Sociology Auguste Comte- French Philosopher Founder of the discipline of Sociology Karl Marx- German Philosopher Was inspired by Hegelian Idea Emile Durkheim- French Sociologist Feared and Hated social disorders Max Weber- German Philosopher

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Essay on Shocks - 2819 Words

Electroshock Therapy Electroshock therapy what is it? How does it work? What is it used for and what comes from it? This paper will answer all of these questions and will also try to prove that electroshock therapy is useful and not as bad as it appears to be. Electroshock therapy is an old process of ridding schizophrenia, and depression, and suicidal tendencies. It is used when people with major depression are taking too many anti depressant drugs, can’t take the side-effects of their medication, or they are taking too many drugs and anti-depressant drugs are too risky to take. It is also used to irradiate certain cases of schizophrenia and is being studied to treat dementia. (Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.78). Convulsive†¦show more content†¦The side that is chosen is the same side as the dominant hand. This method is said to reduce short term memory loss and confusion, another method of ECT is placing the electrodes over both temples. This method is proved to work better t han unilateral treatment(Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.79). Electroshock therapy consists of a series of treatments, a patient is usually scheduled for two to three times a week for six to twelve treatments of depression. The treatment tine for schizophrenia is usually twenty-five to thirty treatment. The entire ECT process takes anywhere from twenty to forty minutes from start to finish (Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.79). Even though ECT predominantly effective, there are many risks involved including drowsiness and confusion for about an hour. Short-term memory loss will occur, but there memory will come back to them in tine. Another risk of ECT is the patient’s heat is affected by the seizures and the drugs, i.e. muscle relaxants, anesthesia, and barbiturates. Side effects such as headaches, speech loss, nausea, muscle soreness, and skin burns ( around the electrode sights). These sides effects go away within a few hours, with acceptation of speech loss coordination which might take up to six months to recover(Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.79). Depression is a disorder that affects millions of people everyday, some of these people haveShow MoreRelatedTypes of Shock Essay882 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Describe the five different types of shock and include for each, its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and treatment. Shock is described as life threatening medical emergency resulting from insufficient blood flow through the body (Huether Mccance, 2012) There are five types of medical shock. These include septic shock, anaphylactic shock, cardiogenic shock, hypovolemic shock, and neurogenic shock (Huether Mccance, 2012). Septic shock results from bacteria that multiply in theRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Shock889 Words   |  4 PagesShock is a life-threatening condition with a variety of underlying causes. Shock is caused when the cells have a lack of adequate blood supply and are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. In cases of shock, blood is shunted from peripheral areas of the body to the vital organs. Hemorrhage and decreased blood volume are associated with some, but not all, types of shock. Adventitious lung sounds occur in the upper airway D) Heart and respiratory rates are elevated Ans: D Feedback: As sepsisRead MoreEssay on Culture Shock1163 Words   |  5 Pagesanswered with a smile â€Å"the heat is running aunty† whatever she meant I did not understand, although she spoke in English she had an American accent which took me long to adapt and decipher. My brother knowing that I will definitely experience culture shock, started giving me tidbits of what I would expect. I remember him saying â€Å"This is America my sister, they speak different here, many things have different names from home†. He then told me â€Å"open the trunk and offload your luggage â€Å"I responded â€Å"whereRead MoreShock Prep595 Words   |  3 Pagesmortality rates as high as 28%-50%. Septic shock: Is the presence of sepsis with hypotension despite fluid resuscitation along with the presence of inadequate tissue perfusion. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS): Is the failure of two or more organ systems in an acutely ill patient such that homeostasis cannot be maintained without intervention. Identify the nursing priorities in the care of the patient with sepsis and septic shock: Oxygenation -Provide supplemental O2 Intubation/mechanicalRead MoreA True Culture Shock Essays867 Words   |  4 Pagesthe symbolic, ideational, and intangible aspects of human societies. The essence of a culture is not its artifacts, tools, or other tangible cultural elements but how the members of the group interpret, use, and perceive them I still remember the shock I got when I first moved here. What a terribly superficial culture this country has, I could not imagine. The way people treat each other, especially in conversations when they meet you, they may ask you: How are you? for that incidence beware thatRead MoreFailure to Escape Traumatic Shock660 Words   |  3 PagesFailure to Escape Traumatic Shock by Seligman and Maier The purpose of this study was to determine the type of learning acquisition in dogs that were subjected to three different styles of electric shock. They wanted to determine what method of learning worked the best to avoid a shock for an extended period of time. Each of the three groups of dogs learned escape/avoidance training, however the escape group and the yoked group gained more training than the normal control group. The escapeRead MoreEssay Filmmakers Use of Shock in Psycho and Jaws1528 Words   |  7 PagesShock is a feeling of fascination and excitement mixed with anxiety, tension, suspense and surprise developed from an unpredictable, mysterious, and engaging source of entertainment (Merriam-Webster). Shock can occur whenever there is a perceived suspended drama, with tension, suspense or surprise being the primary emotions felt by the audience as part of the situation (Dirks). However, the term is most often used in regards to an audience’s perception in drama tic works such as film. One often experiencesRead MoreThe Shock Is A Life Threatening Condition Of Circulatory Failure1568 Words   |  7 PagesShock is a life-threatening condition of circulatory failure that most commonly presents with hypotension. The effects of shock are initially reversible but can rapidly become irreversible, resulting in multi-organ failure (MOF) and death. when a patient present with undifferentiated hypotension, it is important that the clinician rapidly identify the aetiology so that appropriate therapy can be administered to prevent MOF and death (Vincent, 2013). Assessment of hemodynamic status in a shock stateRead MoreCulture Shock By Peter L. Berger990 Words   |  4 PagesPeter L. Berger once said, â€Å"The sociologist routinely experiences culture shock in his own home.† The definition of cultural shock is when someone finds himself or herself in an environment that’s unfamiliar and someone doesn’t really know how to act or do. It is out of the person’s comfort zone and to try to fit and feel included in society, once must first face the uncertainty of how the unknown culture acts like. When the sociologist looks closely at these things, he finds unexpected motives,Read MoreThe Overwhelming Infection of Septic Shock980 Words   |  4 PagesKleinpell states, â€Å"Septic shock is the result of an overwhelming infection, leading to hypotension, altered coagulation, inflammation, impaired circulation at a cellular level, anaerobic metabolism, changes in mental status and multiple organ failure (as sited in Ga rretson Malberti, Ignatavicius and Workman (2009), â€Å"sepsis is a widespread infection coupled with a more general criteria: body temperature higher than 380C or lower than 360C, heart rate greater than 90 beats per minute, respiratory

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Small Group Theories free essay sample

Theories are built when we observe a phenomenon and witness a repeated pattern of events for which warrant explanation. Theory is simply the organization of information to explain and ultimately predict a phenomenon. A scientific theory allows us to make reasonably precise predictions. Theory: A Practical Approach to Group Communication Theory helps us recognize the presence of conditions that call for certain actions. Explanatory Function helps to understand a process and the ways in which different facets of it are related. (diagnosis) helps make sense of the processes involved when people interact with others in a group. Communication is the driving force that moves groups toward their goals. Theoretical Perspectives for the Study of Small Group Communication Small group theory attempts to explain and predict small group phenomena. Social Exchange Theory Groups remain attractive to their members as long as the rewards of group membership exceed the costs. Rewards include fellowship, job satisfaction, achievement, status, goal achievement, personal need fulfillment. Costs include frustration, mental effort, anxiety, embarrassment. Cohesiveness and Productivity are directly related to how rewarding the group experience is to its members. Rules Theory For successful communication to take place, group members must share followable, prescriptive rules that structure their interaction. Rules can be understood as if-then statements. Underlying principle is a condition-action structure of rules. A Rule is a followable prescription that indicates what behavior is obligated, preferred, or prohibited in certain contexts. Group theory and research refers to rules as norms. Once established, group norms direct the groups activities. Understanding rules theory and its application to small groups can help you to encourage norms which are productive and avoid those that are dysfunctional. Systems Theory The small group is an open system composed of interdependent elements-that receives input, processes the input, and yields anoutput. Systems theory provides the most prevalent approach to the study of small groups. It represents the most promising perspective on small group communication (flexible, large # of variables that influence small group interaction). Symbolic Convergence Theory Group members develop a group consciousness and identity through the sharing of fantasies or stories which are often chained together and have a common theme. Explains how certain types of communication shape a groups identity and culture, which in turn influence other dynamics such as norms, roles, and decision making. Over time groups develop a collective consciousness with shared emotions, motives, and meanings. A fantasy theme consists of the common or related content of the stories the group tells. A fantasy chain is a string of connected stories that revolve around a common theme. Structuration Theory People use rules and resources in interaction to structure social systems. Helps explain why and how groups develop the rules and behavior patterns they adopt. Especially useful in helping understand group communication within broader organizational cultures. New Technologies and Small Group Communication Theory New information technologies are restructuring how we communicate. Group Decision Support System (GDSS) any computer-based information system used to support intellectual collaborative work. GDSSs include technological support for agenda setting, rules for discussion (parliamentary procedure), and communication technologies that allow multiple users to interact simultaneously. New technologies will increasingly reshape how groups make decisions and solve problems. Technology does not necessarily result in any particular group outcome; it is how the group works technology into its interaction that has the impact. A Descriptive Approach to Small Group Communication The constellation model is a comprehensive framework that suggests features and relationships critical to an understanding of small group communication. The framework depicts small group communication as a constellation of variables, each related to every other. Communication establishes and maintains the relationships among these essential variables. The seven essential variables are communication, leadership, goals, norms, roles, cohesiveness, and situation. Small group communication theory seeks to explain the relationships among these and other variables and to make predictions based on such explanations. Putting Principles into Practice Scientific theories explain consistencies in communicative behavior that researchers have observed within small groups. Theories allow us to predict the probable consequences of various actions. Observe groups of which you are a member. As you do apply the following theories: Social exchange theory to describe satisfaction levels. Systems theory to organize interpretations of group actions. Symbolic convergence theory to understand the group personality (rules, roles, decision making). Structuration theory- to increase your influence in any group. The practicality of our theories is measured only by how we can use them to be more effective group leaders, members, and scholars. Exercises List of Informal Theories about Ordinary Day Rules that Govern Behavior in Groups: If . . . Then The Importance of Situation (context) Class Simulation