Publication Date

2004

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Sorensen, Christine Knupp

Degree Name

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Teaching and Learning

LCSH

Teachers--Training of; GroupThink Index

Abstract

Groupthink is a model of faulty decision-making process by groups. The more symptoms of groupthink that are evident, the more likely the group is to succumb to a groupthink mentality. The purpose of this study was to identify the presence of the eight main symptoms of groupthink. This study also compared cohorts by the number of courses completed to look for a relationship between number of courses completed and level of groupthink. The GroupThink Index, an inventory developed by R. Glaser in 1993 to measure the eight symptoms of groupthink, was used to assess cohort members' perception of each symptom in their cohort. Descriptive statistics were computed based on cohort members' responses to the inventory. Responses provided mean scores by which to quantify the level of each symptom. Responses were also examined through a factor analysis, which indicated another way to examine cohort group members' responses in relation to groupthink. The major finding was that the symptoms might not be the best way to measure groupthink in an educational setting. Three factors emerged from the factor analysis and were used to measure groupthink. Unanimity, a symptom of groupthink, was observed at a higher level than the other symptoms. It measured in the moderate range of scores.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [138]-142).

Extent

xiii, 187 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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