Are individual student characteristics and -performance associated with group-level functioning in educational groups? An exploratory study

Abstract

Background : The recently developed Social Profile assessment allows for classifying a group’s interaction behaviors within five levels. However, empirical associations between the levels, and factors related to an overall Social Profile measure, have not been examined. Methods : A sample of 35 occupational therapy students was recruited. Data was collected by self-report questionnaires, including the Social Profile and basic sociodemographic information. Descripti - ve statistics, bivariate correlation, and linear regression analyses were performed. Results : The basic cooperative level was most frequently found in the study groups. In general, levels of social interaction were more strongly associated with nearby levels, and more weakly or negative - ly associated with levels representing more different behaviors. The overall Social Profile measure related to the levels of interaction in a mostly logical way. Spending more time with the group was associated with a higher Social Profile measure, but this measure was unrelated to individual exam grades. Conclusion : Student study groups appear to operate at all levels of social interaction, but most frequently at the basic cooperative level. Associations between the five levels and the overall Social Profile measure was mostly logical, indicating the theoretical accuracy of the model concepts.