Theory-based content analysis: A social influence perspective for evaluating group process

Abstract

A critical overview of some major content and process analysis approaches is offered which argues that current schemes do not “make sense” of verbal group process with maximal coherence. The major causes are identified as (1) the lack of any compelling category organization (low internal coherence) coupled with (2) a general conceptual and empirical estrangement of content analysis from the remainder of group dynamics. These causes and some component subcauses are investigated. It is argued that a theory-based approach to content analysis, one that takes conceptual leads and category skeletons from established group dynamics theories, serves to maximize both internal and external coherence. A new process scheme, the Social Influence Rating Systems (SIRS), is constructed from social influence theory as one illustration of a theory-based derivation, and as an heuristic way of construing group verbalizations. An extensive pilot application of the SIRS to group psychotherapy interactions is reported. Preliminary analyses indicated that the scheme successfully partialled over three quarters of all statements into one or another of the influence categories employed, and that the content analytic results bore good resemblance to laboratory verifications of influence theory, as well as to accounts of the therapy process.