Three Channel Theory of Communication in Small Groups

Abstract

Forty experimental dyads were composed for study designed to test a transactional theory which views interpersonal behavior as being communicated simultaneously on three channels. The term channel is employed here to specify a mode of communication. The dyads ranged from compatability to incompatibility through all possible combinations on the three channels. The dyads were identified from a battery of instruments administered to 200 sub jects. The general hypothesis was that there would be a linear relationship between intra-group compatibility and a set of five dependent variables. Each of the 40 dyads was scheduled for a half-hour discussion period in which the members worked together to solve a case study problem. Following the discussion session each member was given a set of post-meeting instruments to com plete. Results on three of the linear relationships were in the predicted direction.