A Model of Human Group Dynamics.
Abstract
A mathematical model is presented which describes the changes in affective and effective interaction in theoretically closed human groups. Its assumptions lie mainly in the field of cognitive dissonance. The temporal behavior and steady-state structure of many examples of closed groups are given, and it is shown that a basic unit for their description is the 'snowball,' which is a maximal, strongly connected set (on effective communication). If the maximum eigenvalue of a certain matrix is less than or equal to unity, the steady snowball is completely connected on effect and mutually positive affect. The relation of the model's predictions with the concepts of balance, blustering, transitivity, and positive balance is given, together with a comparison with Hunter's (1974) model. The stability of the solutions is discussed, together with a brief section on the comparison of models with reality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA008430
Entities
People
- H. Russell Bernard
- Peter D. Killworth
Organizations
- West Virginia University