1. Why study small groups?
 

    A. The pervasiveness of small groups
 
 

    B. Pragmatic or heuristic value
 
 

    C. Groups vs. individuals - pros & cons
 
 
 

2. Why people join groups
 
 

    A. Interpersonal attraction
 
 

        i) proximity
 
 

        ii) similarity
 
 

       iii) perceived ability of others
 
 

    B. Group attraction
 
 

        i) group activities
 
 

       ii) group goals
 
 

       iii) group membership & instrumental effects
 
 

3. Defining characteristics of the small group
 
 

    A. Perception
 
 

    B. Motivation
 
 

    C. Goals
 
 

    D. Organization
 
 

    E. Interdependence
 
 
 
 

4. Working definition

"A set of motivated individuals people who meet more or less regularly in face-to-face interaction, perceive themselves as possessing a common identity, a purpose, goals, are interdependent with one another and have a set of standards (formal and informal) for governing their activities."