Robert Freed Bales (1916-2004) Group observation and interaction processes Bales pioneered the development of systematic methods

of group observation and measurement of interaction processes. His first coding system was Interactive Process Analysis (IPA) (which was used to classify group behaviour into that which was taskoriented and that which was relationship-oriented) (Bales 1950). The system was revised in 1970 in the SYMLOG system (Systematic Multiple Level Observation of Groups). It was based on the assumption that three fundamental dimensions structure interactions in groups: Dominance/submission. Is this member active, outgoing, and talkative - or passive, quiet and introverted? Friendliness/unfriendliness. Is this member warm, open and positive or negative and irritable? Acceptance of authority/non-acceptance of authority. Is this member analytical, and task-oriented or emotional, untraditional and (possibly) resentful. (Forsyth 2006: 41) Conclusion Bales work exerted considerable influence on the study of group psychology in the second half of the twentieth century
A method devised by Bales (1950 , 1970) for the continuous observation of communication patterns in interactive groups ( see also group processes, group structure ). Based on the assumption that group success depends on both how well the group can solve its tasks (task function) and how satisfied it can keep its members (socio-emotional function), Bales identified 12 interactional moves in four categories: (1) socio-emotional positive (shows solidarity, tension reduction, agreement); (2) socio-emotional negative (shows antagonism, tension, disagreement); (3) task-related attempted solutions (gives suggestions, opinions, orientation); and (4) task-related questions (asks for suggestions, opinions, orientation). At least one rater observes each group member, and scores occurrences of each interactional move. This method has been used in a variety of settings, and is a reliable and useful way to analyze group interactions. For instance, it reveals that different people tend to occupy the roles of socio-emotional specialist and task specialist in a group, and has led to the idea that there are two distinct styles of leadership behavior. Interaction process analysis has been criticized for overemphasizing spoken communication, and failing toconsider the important role of nonverbal communication