Page 375 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

358 Appendix A

regarding the use of laboratory animals for research, study the writings of those who
favor and oppose using animals. Although it is easier to remember opinions that
support your own, understanding other points of view is essential for effective group
discussion and problem solving.

Direct Observation
Many times, needed information can come only from firsthand observation by group
members, and often only direct observation can breathe life into a table of statistics or
survey results. For example, a group of students trying to improve conditions at their
student union’s coffee shop spent time observing and recording how many customers
did and did not bus their waste materials, the kinds of litter on the floor and tables,
and the placement and condition of waste containers. In their final report, they were
able to provide brief examples from their observations, which made their report more
vivid and compelling.

Surveys
Sometimes a group may need more comprehensive or representative information than
members can gather through observation alone. In that case, members may construct
a survey. Entire courses are devoted to construction of valid and reliable surveys, and
we can’t provide details here. However, many student groups have designed simple,
clear surveys to uncover additional information that they cannot get any other way.
The student group investigating the coffee shop constructed an easy- to-take, short
survey to learn who used the coffee shop, what time of day patrons were most likely
to use it, what they liked best about it, and what they liked least. Patrons could pick
up the one- page survey as they entered the shop, complete it in less than a minute or
two, and drop it off in a specially designated box at the door. The students compiled
the survey information and included it in their report. These days, it is easy to con-
struct online surveys via software like SurveyMonkey. Data from such surveys are
easy to compile.

Individual and Group Interviews
Sometimes you need firsthand information or explanations by a knowledgeable indi-
vidual; interviews can help you obtain information you cannot get in other ways.
Members of the coffee shop group also interviewed a number of customers to deter-
mine how they felt about its condition and to ask their reasons for not busing their
wastepaper and leftovers. They also interviewed the manager to determine why mate-
rials that contributed to litter were being used. Most people are flattered to be asked
for their information and opinions, but remember that your interviewees are busy and
would prefer that you read first, then interview them for clarification.
Interview questions may be open- ended (“Why do you eat in the snack shop?”)
or closed- ended (“If trash containers were more conveniently located, would you
use them? Yes _____ No _____”). In- depth interviews using open- ended questions

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