EFFECTS OF A MODEL AND INSTRUCTIONS ON GROUP VERBAL BEHAVIORS

Assessed the relative efficacy of modeling and instructional approaches in increasing interpersonal openness in a group setting. Groups of 4 male undergraduates participated in a leaderless discussion session after exposure to 1 of 4 manipulations: (1) a film model of interpersonal openness plus detailed exhortative and descriptive instructions, (2) film model plus minimal instructions, (3) detailed instructions with no film, and (4) minimal instructions only. Ss exposed to Condition 1 tended to engage in interpersonal openness, while Ss in the other 3 conditions failed to do so, devoting most of their time to impersonal discussion. These findings are discussed in terms of the combined role of understanding and disinhibition in modifying verbal response classes. (37 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.