The prediction of interaction behavior in small groups: Zero history vs. intact groups

This study provided tests of the general hypotheses that personality and communication apprehension are significant predictors of interaction behavior in small groups. Both hypotheses were confirmed. However it was found that the previous history of the group (zero‐history versus intact) had a major impact on the relationships between personality/communication apprehension and interaction behavior. The results suggest that extreme caution should be taken when attempting to generalize results from studies involving zero history groups, even if only generalizing to those same groups at later stages of their development.