Page 373 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

356 Appendix A

TABLE A.1
A note card listing Self- Monitoring Why related to leadership emergence
a topic heading, a Robert J. Ellis and Steven F. Cronshaw, “Self- Monitoring and Leader Emergence:
specific subject, and A Test of Moderator Effects,” in Small Group Research, 23 (February 1992):
exact details of the 113–129.
source
“It is possible that low and high self- monitors are equally effective at identifying the
needs of a group, but only high self- monitors are proficient at modifying their
behavior to respond to such needs.” p. 124

Three important sources for gathering information useful to problem- solving
discussions are direct observation, reading, and individual or group interviews.

Reading: Print and Electronic Sources
Often, a print or online encyclopedia, such as Wikipedia, can provide a helpful over-
view of a topic, although usually this overview will not provide much depth. Because
anyone can add items to Wikipedia, accuracy is questionable. However, Wikipedia is
a good place to start for an overview of a topic. Just don’t end with Wikipedia!
For many topics and problems, the major source of information will be books,
journals, newspapers, government documents, and other printed materials, whether
Bibliography in hard copy or online. First, compile a bibliography, which is a list of published
A list of sources of sources on a particular topic or issue. For topics with many published sources, an
information about a abstract, or article summary, will help you narrow your sources to those most rele-
topic; usually vant. Internet sources are especially helpful here. Don’t limit yourself to only one or
includes books, two sources or to sources that support only one point of view. This will produce a
journal or magazine bias in your information with no way to cross- check validity.
articles, newspaper For efficiency, first prepare a list of key terms— descriptors—on the topic. For
stories, interviews, instance, a group investigating “What type of lottery should our state conduct?”
and so forth.
might use the following descriptors: lottery, sweepstakes, gambling, crime, revenue,
and betting. Such descriptors provide the starting point for online searches. Once
you start your search, you may encounter additional terms, such as victimless or
wagering. A reference librarian’s help is indispensable in using printed and elec-
tronic sources. The abstract sources are significant time savers because they provide
brief summaries of articles or books to help you narrow your search.
Most sources are now accessible online, which can save you a lot of time.
Computerized databases such as Communication and Mass Media Complete,
PsychINFO, SocINDEX, EBSCOhost, and Lexis- Nexis can be invaluable in locating
information about a topic. Although some databases may entail a fee, they make it
extremely easy for you to locate relevant items quickly, so they are usually worth
the money.
Most online databases work the same way. Once you enter the database, often
from your university or public library, you can search the database by key word,
title, or author. For instance, in gathering information about capital punishment,
key words such as capital punishment, death penalty, death row, lethal injection, or

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