Small Group Socialization Scale

Abstract

A Small Group Socialization Scale (SGSS) was developed and tested for reliability and validity. In Study 1, scale items were developed by reviewing research as well as asking group members for open-ended responses regarding fitting in, comfort, certainty, and satisfaction with recent group experiences. Thirty-five items were developed and administered to 445 college student participants. Subsequent reliability and factor analyses resulted in the identification of 14 items reflecting group socialization. In Study 2, the SGSS along with measures of cohesion, consensus, communication satisfaction, and loneliness were administered to 210 small group communication students. Based on acceptable reliability coefficients and correlation coefficients, concurrent validity for the SGSS was demonstrated. Implications for future research are discussed.