Large Group Context Research Articles

Spherical Linguistic Petri Nets for Knowledge Representation and Reasoning Under Large Group Environment

Fuzzy Petri nets (FPNs) are a promising modeling tool for knowledge representation and reasoning of rule-based expert systems. However, there exist limitations in representing ambiguous knowledge and performing approximate inference in traditional FPNs. Additionally, knowledge parameters are usually provided by some experts in existing FPN methods. In response to these issues, a new version of FPNs, named spherical linguistic Petri nets (SLPNs), is introduced in this article for knowledge representation and reasoning in the large group context. To this end, spherical linguistic sets are applied to capture imprecise knowledge and represent the uncertainty of experts’ judgements. Furthermore, a large group knowledge acquisition approach is developed to determine knowledge parameters. A bidirectional inference algorithm is developed for implementing the reasoning process and identifying the root causes of an appointed event. Finally, the efficacy and superiority of our developed SLPNs are illustrated by a realistic example regarding stampede risk level assessment in a high-speed railway station.

Pythagorean Fuzzy Petri Nets for Knowledge Representation and Reasoning in Large Group Context

Fuzzy Petri nets (FPNs) are a graphical-based knowledge representation and reasoning tool widely used in many fields for intelligent decision making. However, the traditional FPNs could not accurately represent domain experts’ uncertain and ambiguous knowledge with the increasing complexity of knowledge base systems. Additionally, the task of assessing the truth degrees of input places is limited to small-scale expert groups in current practices. In response to these problems, we develop a new type of FPN model, called Pythagorean FPNs (PFPNs), for knowledge representation and reasoning in the large group context. Pythagorean fuzzy sets are introduced to capture imprecise and ambiguous knowledge and a large group truth determination method is proposed to get the truth degrees of input places with massive data. Finally, an application example regarding security risk assessment is given to show the effectiveness and advantages of our proposed PFPNs.

Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

Risk Tolerance, Self-Interest, and Social Preferences

We use an experimental method to investigate whether systematic relationships exist across distinct aspects of individual preferences: risk aversion in monetary outcomes, altruism in a two-person context, and social preferences in a larger group context. Individual preferences across these three contexts are measured, and there is no possibility for risk sharing, wealth effects, or updating expectations of the population choices. We find that social preferences are related to demographic variables, including years of education, gender, and age. Perhaps most importantly, self allocation in a two-person dictator game is related to social preferences in a group context. Participants who are more generous in a dictator game are more likely to vote against their self-interest in a group decision-making task which we interpret to be expressions of social preferences.

Does Alcohol Use in Large Group Contexts Mediate the Association Between Sex-Related Alcohol Expectancies and Rape?

Women who hold positive beliefs about alcohol's role in sexual experiences may be more likely to drink alcohol in large group contexts such as bars and parties than other women. These contexts may confer risk for rape. In the current article, we examined the association between sex-related alcohol expectancies and rape during college, and whether drinking in large group contexts mediates this association. College women completed surveys for seven consecutive semesters. Contrary to previous cross-sectional research, women with more positive sex-related alcohol expectancies at the start of college and women who drank alcohol more frequently in large groups at the start of college were no more likely to experience rape during college. Longitudinal research is critical to identify risk factors that may be targeted for prevention.

A Dynamic Adaptive Subgroup-to-Subgroup Compatibility-Based Conflict Detection and Resolution Model for Multicriteria Large-Scale Group Decision Making.

The current societal demands and technological developments have resulted in the participation of a large number of experts in making decisions as a group. Conflicts are imminent in groups and conflict management is complex and necessary especially in a large group. However, there are few studies that quantitatively research the conflict detection and resolution in the large-group context, especially in the multicriteria large-group decision making (GDM) context. This article proposes a dynamic adaptive subgroup-to-subgroup conflict model to solve multicriteria large-scale GDM problems. A compatibility index is proposed based on two kinds of conflicts among experts: 1) cognitive conflict and 2) interest conflict. Then, the fuzzy c -means clustering algorithm is used to classify experts into several subgroups. A subgroup-to-subgroup conflict detection method and a weight-determination approach are developed based on the clustering results. Afterward, a conflict resolution model, which can dynamically generate feedback suggestion, is introduced. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed model.

Singing and social bonding: changes in connectivity and pain threshold as a function of group size

Over our evolutionary history, humans have faced the problem of how to create and maintain social bonds in progressively larger groups compared to those of our primate ancestors. Evidence from historical and anthropological records suggests that group music-making might act as a mechanism by which this large-scale social bonding could occur. While previous research has shown effects of music making on social bonds in small group contexts, the question of whether this effect ‘scales up’ to larger groups is particularly important when considering the potential role of music for large-scale social bonding. The current study recruited individuals from a community choir that met in both small (n=20–80) and large (a ‘megachoir’ combining individuals from the smaller subchoirs n=232) group contexts. Participants gave self-report measures of social bonding and had pain threshold measurements taken (as a proxy for endorphin release) before and after 90min of singing. Results showed that feelings of inclusion, connectivity, positive affect, and measures of endorphin release all increased across singing rehearsals and that the influence of group singing was comparable for pain thresholds in the large versus small group context. Levels of social closeness were found to be greater at pre- and post-levels for the small choir condition. However, the large choir condition experienced a greater change in social closeness as compared to the small condition. The finding that singing together fosters social closeness – even in large group contexts where individuals are not known to each other – is consistent with evolutionary accounts that emphasize the role of music in social bonding, particularly in the context of creating larger cohesive groups than other primates are able to manage.

There are lots of big fish in this pond: The role of peer overqualification on task significance, perceived fit, and performance for overqualified employees.

Research has uncovered mixed results regarding the influence of overqualification on employee performance outcomes, suggesting the existence of boundary conditions for such an influence. Using relative deprivation theory (Crosby, 1976) as the primary theoretical basis, in the current research, we examine the moderating role of peer overqualification and provide insights to the questions regarding whether, when, and how overqualification relates to employee performance. We tested the theoretical model with data gathered across three phases over 6 months from 351 individuals and their supervisors in 72 groups. Results showed that when working with peers whose average overqualification level was high, as opposed to low, employees who felt overqualified for their jobs perceived greater task significance and person-group fit, and demonstrated higher levels of in-role and extra-role performance. We discuss theoretical and managerial implications for overqualification at the individual level and within the larger group context.

Framing effects: Behavioral dynamics and neural basis

This study examined the neural basis of framing effects using life-death decision problems framed either positively in terms of lives saved or negatively in terms of lives lost in large group and small group contexts. Using functional MRI we found differential brain activations to the verbal and social cues embedded in the choice problems. In large group contexts, framing effects were significant where participants were more risk seeking under the negative (loss) framing than under the positive (gain) framing. This behavioral difference in risk preference was mainly regulated by the activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus, including the homologue of the Broca's area. In contrast, framing effects diminished in small group contexts while the insula and parietal lobe in the right hemisphere were distinctively activated, suggesting an important role of emotion in switching choice preference from an indecisive mode to a more consistent risk-taking inclination, governed by a kith-and-kin decision rationality.

Poverty, Relationship Conflict, and the Regulation of Cortisol in Small and Large Group Contexts at Child Care

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this research is to explore the dynamics of cortisol regulation in the context of center‐based child care by examining the impact of social context (large classroom vs. small group) and relationship quality with caregivers (conflict with mothers and teachers). We extend the research on children's physiologic stress system functioning in center‐based child care by focusing on morning cortisol levels among young children living in poverty. While in high‐quality center‐based child care, children's cortisol levels decreased over the course of the morning—a result that contrasts with findings in previous research with middle‐class children, for whom cortisol typically increased over the course of the day while attending center‐based child care. Cortisol levels were further reduced when children were moved from a large classroom environment to a small group context. Relationship conflict with mothers and teachers moderated these effects. Children who had high conflict with their mother exhibited cortisol levels that remained higher (decreased less) over the course of the morning, and children who had high conflict with their teacher exhibited cortisol levels that remained higher (decreased less) in response to the small group context. These results indicate that high‐quality child care has the potential to support reduced stress among children living in poverty, at least as indicated by adrenocortical activity.

Risk as reproductive variance

In economics, normative utility theories of decision-making under risk use a single number (expected value) to index subjective utility at the cost of losing information about risk distribution. This paper examines how people make use of risk distributions (that is, variations in expected payoffs) to maximize the probability of reaching a goal and to minimize the likelihood of falling below a minimum requirement (MR). The author proposes and tests a Bounded Risk Distribution model using both hypothetical life–death problems and real reproductive and parental decision problems. Study 1 demonstrated that a given degree of increase in expected number of saved lives had a significant effect on the respondents' risk preference when the increase was likely to cross the average MR of the respondents (in a small group context), but the same increase in expected value had little effect when the change was within a range below the average MR (in a kinship context) or above the MR (in a large group context). Study 2 examined alternative hypotheses for hypothetical risk acceptance with respect to kinship groups and found that whether the decision-maker was responsible or not had little effect on the setting of the MR and risk preference. The MR setting was mainly determined by the kinship context itself and was further fine-tuned by the framing of the choice outcomes. Study 3 was conducted in four rural villages in northwest China, and assessed real reproductive decisions. Interbirth intervals but not breast-feeding duration varied with a family's wealth, the sex of a child, and the perceived resemblance of a child to a parent. These results are interpreted in terms of the same Bounded Risk Distribution model that was applied in the hypothetical scenario studies.

The Subjective Experience of the Self in the Large Group: Two Models for Study

More and more opportunities now exist for group therapists to engage in the study of the self in the large group at local, national, and international conferences as well as in clinical and other organizational settings. This may be particularly important for the group therapist in the next century with potential benefit not only for individuals but also for groups and social systems of all kinds. In this article, I review my own subjective experiences in the large group context and in large study group experiences. Then, I contrast the group analytic and the group relations approaches to the large group with particular reference to Winnicott’s theory about maturational processes in a facilitating environment.

The Virtual Universe, the Open Large Group, and Maturational Processes in the Future

The technology of the future will bring a new, world-wide, interactive but virtual social experience to our parlors and desktops in place of face-to-face relationships. Governments will stand or fall on the basis of electronically mediated communication with masses of people. Adventures in this new open large group context in the outer world, and the maturation of our inner selves may mirror as well as contribute to each other. Small group experience and group therapy, in particular, may play a vital role.

Childhood Stress and Family Environment

L'etude menee aupres des enfants d'un village rural sur la cote orientale de Dominique montre la relation entre le stress et la composition du groupe domestique (âge, sexe, relation intergenerationnelle, nombre de personnes). Les enfants vivant dans des foyers ou prendre soin d'eux est une attitude frequente et stable ont un niveau de cortisol modere contrairement aux enfants connaissant des evenements familiaux traumatiques

The Structure of Rejection: Implications of Sociometric Theory for Larger Groups

Established principles governing acceptance and rejection in dyads and triads are extended to larger groups by analyzing them as made up of such elements. In this larger-group context, a change in any dyad has direct implications for all triads involving that dyad and indirect implications for all triads containing any of the other dyads of those triads. Consequently, a change in the relationship between two individuals can produce effects cascading through the larger group. Analysis based on Monte Carlo simulation indicates that larger groups are more likely to attain sociometric stability when a preponderance of members are rejected, unless structured to encourage mutual acceptance.

Elaborative interrogation applied to small and large group contexts

AbstractThe present study examined the application of elaborative interrogation (EI), a questioning strategy, to ecologically valid classroom contexts. Instruction was provided to individuals, small groups of five, and large groups of 20. Recall performance did not differ as a function of group size. For individuals, small and large groups, EI subjects outperformed repetition control subjects.

Beneath the anger: Depths of meaning and emotion in a physician-patient relationship and its larger group context.

Beneath the anger: Depths of meaning and emotion in a physician-patient relationship and its larger group context.

Correlations between teaching practices and class achievement in introductory algebra

Certain teaching practices were found to be linked to the educational achievement of students learning algebra for the first time. Collective teaching was observed with an instrument based on one developed by Stallings (1977). Student achievement appeared related, to some extent, to academic discourse. For this to be the case, this discourse had to come mainly from the teacher who was dispensing instruction, lecturing in a large-group context with or without teaching materials, asking questions, helping the student unable to give a correct answer, or giving feedback. The quantity of such discourse was also important. It appeared that it must be plentiful, but not excessive. Correlations with student achievement of large-group instruction and of instruction where the teacher monitors student work are the main focus of this paper. Student discourse in general, and non-academic discourse in particular, appear to have negative effects on achievement if they become frequent.

Participants' Perceptions in Small and Large Group Contexts

This study was designed to examine aspects of projective processes in small and large group contexts. Subjects were members of a Group Relations Conference; quantitative data were collected on their perceptions of themselves, the group as a whole, and the group consultants, following their participation in relatively unstructured small and large self-study groups. The findings provided some empirical support for predictions of more powerful and self-impoverishing projections in the large groups.