Well, no skirting around this (hopefully short) lockdown. Disappointingly, the latest Group Discussion (1 June) was cancelled. If the lockdown is extended (masks on and fingers crossed this will not happen) then Demystifying Psychology will dust off the Zoom link and get on with it! Covid, consider yourself on notice!
The calibre of Group Discussions is extraordinary, varied and a delightful surprise. Topics and opinions raised are interesting, queries and comments are fabulously thought-provoking, and the result is proof that footy, religion and politics can be discussed in “polite society”. (More “How to” at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/talking-politics-in-polit_b_11306930)
Our most recent Content Session (21 May) was a dense two hour look at three aspects of Social Psychology - “self and others”, “obedience and power”, and “group dynamics”. Put simply, social psychology is about relationships. But, as we all know, there is nothing simple about relationships.
The calibre of Group Discussions is extraordinary, varied and a delightful surprise. Topics and opinions raised are interesting, queries and comments are fabulously thought-provoking, and the result is proof that footy, religion and politics can be discussed in “polite society”. (More “How to” at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/talking-politics-in-polit_b_11306930)
Our most recent Content Session (21 May) was a dense two hour look at three aspects of Social Psychology - “self and others”, “obedience and power”, and “group dynamics”. Put simply, social psychology is about relationships. But, as we all know, there is nothing simple about relationships.
William W. Wilmot’s (1943 – 2013) three paradigmatic view of self and others in relationships was new to us all. His theory is interesting and plausible and its application to the (apparent) USA “individualism” compared to Japan’s (apparent) “collectivism” is worth a read.
Obedience and power looked at the Milgram experiment (in which research participants were first duped to participate and then led to believe they had administered a lethal electric shock to another participant … true!). This experiment is considered unethical by current research standards.
Starting with the oft quoted “forming, storming, norming and performing” theory of Group Dynamics, the plan was to then expand this theory with a listen to a highly recommendable tedTalk. The speaker describes how teams can emerge out of extreme circumstances, such as emergencies, and how well-functioning teams do get the job done even when members do not even know each other’s names. It was the plan until tech got the better of me. The talk became “homework”. Here’s the link https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_edmondson_how_to_turn_a_group_of_strangers_into_a_team?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread
Finally, I love it when researchers read every available study on a topic and then summarise these findings. In the case of Group Dynamics, I am eternally grateful to Hüseyin Gençer who has collated an extensive commentary on group dynamics in a globalized world. Hüseyin Gençer’s paper 'Group Dynamics and Behaviour' can be downloaded from www.hrpub.org/download/20181230/UJER28-19512242.pdf.
Next Sessions:
2021 Semester 2 begins on Friday 16 July, 1 to 3pm, at Seniors’ building Fawckner Drive. You will find the timetable and topics on the link below or contact me for a copy. Also, queries and/or enroll by contacting me on 0437 621 575 or [email protected]
Obedience and power looked at the Milgram experiment (in which research participants were first duped to participate and then led to believe they had administered a lethal electric shock to another participant … true!). This experiment is considered unethical by current research standards.
Starting with the oft quoted “forming, storming, norming and performing” theory of Group Dynamics, the plan was to then expand this theory with a listen to a highly recommendable tedTalk. The speaker describes how teams can emerge out of extreme circumstances, such as emergencies, and how well-functioning teams do get the job done even when members do not even know each other’s names. It was the plan until tech got the better of me. The talk became “homework”. Here’s the link https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_edmondson_how_to_turn_a_group_of_strangers_into_a_team?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread
Finally, I love it when researchers read every available study on a topic and then summarise these findings. In the case of Group Dynamics, I am eternally grateful to Hüseyin Gençer who has collated an extensive commentary on group dynamics in a globalized world. Hüseyin Gençer’s paper 'Group Dynamics and Behaviour' can be downloaded from www.hrpub.org/download/20181230/UJER28-19512242.pdf.
Next Sessions:
- Course Content - 18 June at Seniors Building 1pm to 3pm
- Discussion Group – 6 July at Cooinda Hub 10am to 12noon – This is our final Semester 1 session. Bring a morning tea plate to share.
2021 Semester 2 begins on Friday 16 July, 1 to 3pm, at Seniors’ building Fawckner Drive. You will find the timetable and topics on the link below or contact me for a copy. Also, queries and/or enroll by contacting me on 0437 621 575 or [email protected]
Note: The original plan was to repeat Semester 1 content in Semester 2. However, in Semester 1 we covered a little over half the planned content. The left-over content is now in the Semester 2 timetable. Semester 1 people who are joining Semester 2 may wish to skip Session #1 on July 16th … or come along - it would be lovely to see you back.
Jane
Jane
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