Comparative Analysis in Group Processes: Expanding the Reach of Sociological Social Psychology

Abstract

Over the past 40 years, the social psychological field of group processes has achieved rapid theoretical development. However, this subfield?s amazing growth has been recognized mainly by its own practitioners. The focus of this special issue is to spark new conversations. First, it aims to ignite an interest amongst regular readers of the journal to consider how theoretical research programs in group processes may be relevant to their own work. Second, it also aims to encourage group processes researchers to think more carefully about how different kinds of comparative analysis can be incorporated in their own research. Considering new forms of comparative analysis (cross-cultural, cross-national, cross-level of analysis, etc.) may help group processes scholars become more aware of the theoretical and cultural assumptions that undergird the scope conditions and the manner in which their traditional experimental protocols have been designed. While the four articles in this issue do not encompass the full range of theoretical research programs in group processes, they all grapple with the ups and downs of using comparative analysis to question the fundamental assumptions undergirding the theories they work with. More than resolving any questions, this special issue aims to inspire new lines of inquiry.