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equilibrium model of group development

in general, any conceptual analysis that assumes that the processes contributing to group development fluctuate around, but regularly return to, a resting point where opposing forces are balanced or held in check. For example, U.S. social psychologist Robert Freed Bales (1916–2004) suggested that groups vary over time in the extent to which they stress the accomplishment of group tasks relative to the improvement of interpersonal relationships among group members.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

Delphi technique

Delphi technique

a method of developing and improving group consensus by eliminating the effects of personal relationships and dominating personalities. Conflict is managed by circulating a questionnaire, which is edited and summarized on the basis of the last round of comments and then reissued for further response by those participating in the survey. The Delphi technique is used in many situations where convergence of opinion is desirable (e.g., for defining goals, setting standards, or identifying and ranking needs and priorities).