Question

Soc 110 course herp 1. what are three group theories? how do these theories differ from one another? 2. what are the different types of groups that fall under the primary and secondary group categories? what are the goals of each type of group? 3. what are 3 to 4 examples of effective communication and listening skills? what makes these skills effective?

Answer 1

Three Group Theories

When there are two or more people who interact with one another, share similar characteristics, and have a sense of collective unity, we call this a social group.

There are three group theories in sociology: primary, secondary and reference groups. 

A small social group where the members share personal and lasting relationship is called a primary group. A primary group may start to form within a secondary group. 

Secondary groups are large groups that involve informal and institutional relationships that have weak emotional ties and little personal knowledge of each other.

Lastly, the reference group is a social group that serves as a basis for making evaluations and decisions.


Examples of each type of group.

Primary group

Two or three people that share common interest and goals in life and who have developed deep friendship care for one another. 

Secondary Group

Students in a class, or company employees who barely know each other but are bonded together by a certain task or purpose.

Reference Group

A community that was affected by a recent natural disaster whose situation is being studied by policymakers of the government in preparation for future catastrophe.


Goals of each type of groups

Goals of primary groups concern the individual goals of its member, because of its strong emotional tie. For example, family members would often support the dreams and aspirations of one member and will work hard together to achieve it. Likewise, best friends support each other's dreams and aspirations.

As for the secondary group, their goal is anchored to the objectives of the group. For example, in a company, the goal might be to increase sales or to improve the company's performance over a targeted timeframe.

Lastly, the aim of the reference group is to deliver or to provide solutions that would serve as bases for a specific decision.

Examples of effective communication and listening skills

Communication is believed to be the heart of any organization. Whether it is in speaking, or in writing form, communication skill is important to convey one person's ideas and emotions.

Communication must be a two-way process to be more effective. It should not only involve speaking but must also concern listening.

The following are the effective speaking skills:

Speaking clearly  so that every word will be understood. You should also study proper accent, diction and pronunciation of every word.

Tone of your voice can also affect your communication skills. To be effective, you must learn how to deliver the message using the correct volume and intonation.

Pauses and emphasis can be used to highlight the preceding statement or the thought of your message.

Speaking with energy and enthusiasm to encourage people to hear you out.

On the other hand, any communication would be better if these effective listening skills would be applied:

Active listening requires the full attention of the listener on the speaker;


Reflective listening where the listener is encouraged to reflect on the message of the speaker; and

Critical listening when the listener is required to evaluate and analyze what the speaker told her.