1. Data Gathering “In science, observation (through data gathering) is a search for what is hidden, not just because it is hidden, but because its exposure will facilitate an intimate, sustained, and productive relationship with the world.” – A. Kaplan

2. 1. The Big Questions How do you define effectiveness? What are the group goals? (stated & unstated) What are the individual goals? (stated & unstated) What factors contributed to effectiveness? Networks Communication climate & skills Decision-making style Structural issues (make-up of the group, size etc.) Leadership style Other (environment, trust, etc.)

3. 2. Overview of methods Categorize Behaviors Verbal Nonverbal Tests & Scales (e.g. Semantic differential) Observe & Interview Socio-metric (choice making) “With whom would you like to sit?”

4. 3. Decision-points Purpose Degree of inference Units of behavior Sampling (events or over time) When to record Recording methods

5. 4. Special Problems The observer Inference-observation confusion “Demand” characteristics “The instrument” Behavior-construct gap Terministic screen Reliability Validity Basic Rule - The more the burden of interpretation is placed on on the observer, the greater the validity problem.

6. 5. Sample technique Rating scales Evaluation of individual participants Post-meeting reaction sheets Interaction diagrams Bales IPA Clampitt (Content Style Analysis)

7. 6. Putting the data into perspective Triangulation Agree Disagree Neutral Distinguishing between individual and group effectiveness Linking communication and group effectiveness