Number of verbal interrelationships as a determinant of group size

Abstract

By measuring the frequency of verbal interactions in groups of various sizes (from 5-6 to 19-20), it was observed that although the average number of interactions tended to increase with the size of the group, the percentage of relationships showed an almost linear negative relationship with size, with crucial decrements in percent of verbal interactions occurring when groups are beyond 7-8 and again at 15-16. Results are related to formation of groups for psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1962 American Psychological Association.