Group Agreement, Social Cohesion in Learning Groups and the Role of Positive Interdependence

Novak, Reka (2023) Group Agreement, Social Cohesion in Learning Groups and the Role of Positive Interdependence. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

In this research, groups of Bachelor thesis students will be studied to see what differences a group agreement (GA) makes. In the academic year 2022-2023 the GA was introduced with the purpose of preparing students for collaborative work. The prior academic year had no GA. The hypotheses are H1: a GA leads to significantly higher group cohesion, H2: a GA leads to significantly higher positive interdependence, H3: high positive interdependence produces high group cohesion and finally, H4: positive interdependence partly mediates the relation between a GA and cohesion. Data were collected through a questionnaire and two cohorts were established: without a GA (N = 57) and with a GA (N = 67). The distributed questionnaire was identical and measured variables such as group cohesion and positive interdependence. Independent samples t tests were used for H1 and H2. The data did not support H1 and H2, indicating that the GA had no effect on social cohesion and positive interdependence. For H3, a regression test showed that positive interdependence predicted group cohesion (b = .2, t(122) = 4.85, p <.00). As H1 and H2 were rejected, it was not useful to test for H4. Although the GA produced no significant results, its potential should not be neglected. Further research is required, where the content of a GA is altered in a way to boost positive interdependence and group cohesion. Moreover, the research could be extended into a longitudinal study, where the process of variables could be observed over a longer period of time.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Havik, E.M. and Kuppens, T.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	14 Feb 2023 13:20
Last Modified:	14 Feb 2023 13:20
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1675

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