Sequences and Cycles in Social Interaction

• Published in: Small group research 1997-08, Vol.28 (3), p.333-356
• Main Author: Shelly, Robert K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cycles; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Group Dynamics; Intergroup Relations; Interpersonal Relations; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Sequences; Small Groups; Social Interaction; Social interactions. Communication. Group processes; Social psychology; Task Oriented Groups
• ISSN: 1046-4964; 1552-8278
• DOI: 10.1177/1046496497283001

Studies of group interaction identify several behavioral regularities. Actors reciprocate others'behavior, influence one another, and allocate rewards to reflect emergent hierarchies. Patterns vary based on internal group dynamics and on attributes such as gender, race, or task skill. An issue that has received little attention-the dynamic embedded in these emergent interaction patterns-is the focus of this article. The analysis employs fundamental interaction sequences which include patterns of questioning, answering, and rewarding. Understanding sequences increases understanding of emergent interaction patterns reflected in cycles of interchange patterns. Data from 70 task groups were coded to reveal sequences of interaction. Questions asked correlated with answers given and rewards received. Reciprocity between actors in initiating and receiving answers, as well as initiating and receiving positive and negative rewards, is also common. Thesefindings help link studies of interaction processes and of social structures.