Decisions, Values and Groups

Decisions, Values and Groups, Volume 1 contains the proceedings of the First Interdisciplinary Conference of the Behavioral Sciences Division of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, held at the University of New Mexico in 1957. The papers explore the roles of decisions, values, and groups in the behavioral sciences and cover topics ranging from the use of mathematical models in decision making to the contribution of the laboratory to the study of individual differences. Theoretical contributions to small group research are also discussed. This book is comprised of 22 chapters and begins with an overview of the merging of mathematical and statistical techniques with the empirical method in the study of behavior, as well as the place of decisions, values, and groups in behavioral science research. The reader is then introduced to the applications of mathematical models to decision processes, with particular reference to the automation of decision making. The following chapters focus on conceptualizations and designs for research in values and evaluative processes; theoretical aspects of small group research; and psychodynamic patterns of behavior; and special problems in the military. A non-introspective approach to the study of human motivation is described. This volume will be of interest to behavioral scientists and social scientists.

ForewordIntroductionEditor's PrefaceI. Mathematical Models in Decision Processes A Perspective on Automation and Decision Making Models, Meaning and Theories Some Personality Correlates of Decision Making under Conditions of Risk The Formation of Hypotheses and Styles in the Process of Solving a Logical Task Stochastic Choice and Subjective ProbabilityII. Conceptualizations and Designs for Research in Values and Evaluative Processes The Contribution of the Laboratory to the Study of Individual Differences A Tentative Theory of the Structure of Conscience Values in Person Cognition Personal Values and Group Interaction The Organization of MicroculturesIII. Theoretical Contributions to Small Group Research A Commentary on Small Group Research Common Fate, Similarity and Other Indices of the Status of Aggregates of Persons as Social Entities Seeking and Avoiding Self-Evaluation by Working Individually or in Groups Two Variables Affecting the Message in Communication Behavior in Groups: The Development of a Scale to Measure Individual Prominence The Influence of Propaganda without Social SupportIV. Psychodynamic Patterns of Behavior Neurophysiological Basis for Behavior Hostility: Theory and Experimental Investigation The Problem of Vicarious Experience Report on the Psycho-Social Organization of the Family and Mental Health Depression: Definition and DeterminantsV. Special Military Problems A Non-Introspective Approach to the Study of Human Motivation Human Parameters of Space