Chapter 9, Problem 1RQ1

Summary Introduction

Introduction

There are many different types of groups. In psychology, here can be therapy groups, sampling groups, and myriad social groups. All groups, though, have several things in common, the most important things being a shared purpose and identity. In addition, by definition, a group is not a group unless its members communicate or interact in some way.

Explanation of Solution

Correct answer and explanation

In this case, the answer is option (D), seven commuters waiting at a bus stop in silence. According to the conventional definition of the word group in social psychology, a group is two or more individuals who not only interact with one another, but also come together for a common purpose and share a common identity. In the case of the description of the commuters waiting on the bus, although these people share a common purpose, they neither share a common identity, nor are they interacting on any discernable level. Therefore, option (D) is the correct answer.

Explanations for the incorrect options

Option (A) refers to six students studying for an exam. Here, the students share an identity, as they are all preparing for a test, and they share a common goal. In addition, we can assume that because they are studying together that they will interact with each other. By definition, Option (A) is incorrect.

Option (B) refers to a 12-person cast of a musical theater production. Here again, this ensemble shares a common goal as well as a common identity, as they are all cast members. Because they are a theater ensemble, the members will interact a great deal. Therefore, Option (B) is incorrect.

Option (C) refers to a team who is Web-conferencing to complete a project. We already know that they are interacting via the Web conference, and we already know they share an identity as a work team. In addition, their common goal is to complete a project. Therefore, by definition, option (C) is incorrect.