small group comm research

The study of small group communication reminds me of anthropological studies of tribal cultures, or even the study of animal behaviors. In the same way, these studies are often used to take specific observations in one setting and to extrapolate principles that can be applied to other settings. Small group communication research seems to have the same value. It is the approach often used in marketing - case studies that are used to elucidate a strategy.

Like the marketing case studies, the small group communication research may often attribute to the group and the group members certain motivations, attitudes, plans and strategies that the group would not admit to having.

It's useful to have the outside perspective, but it's probably not wise to assume that just because it is an outside perspective that it is more legitimate than the perspective of those who are intimately involved. Invariable, an outside observer misses the "part of the group" insight. Anthropologists have at times become part of the groups they study, and usually draw criticism for abandoning their objective perch. I can understand why they do it however, for without experiencing group membership, their speculations about the group can never scratch past the surface of observable phenomena.