An empirical analysis of Stevens-Long's theoretical construction of Bion's experiences in groups.

摘要

Wilfred Bion postulated that any group of people can be considered as a whole. Bion suggested that the group as a whole contains basic assumption and work aspects of group life. Yet, his experiences in groups has historically lacked empirical confirmation. This is partly due to the definitions of Bion's constructs necessary to perform empirical research. Stevens-Long proposed a 4-plex model and postulated 4 parameters (Boundary Permeability, Internal Structure, Activity Level, and Emotional climate) form the structure for understanding Bion's basic assumption and work group constructs. Stevens-Long's theoretical construction provides a possible connection between Bion's experiences in groups and empirical analysis. This research attempts to operationalize Stevens-Long's postulate that 4 parameters exist using a Multi-Dimensional Group Analysis (MDGA) survey. Group members are asked to rate the group using 38 questions that are descriptive of Stevens-Long's 4 parameters. Eighteen groups were surveyed with the MDGA. The data were factor analyzed at the individual and group levels. The research corroborated the null hypothesis when analyzed at the aggregate level. The MDGA failed to operationalize Stevens-Long's theoretical construction.