Controlled studies of the outcome of sensitivity training.

Abstract

The studies included in this review had control groups and a repeated-measures design, and training lasted not less than 20 hours. Of 100 studies using measurement immediately after training, 78 detected changes significantly greater than those shown by controls. Of 31 studies using measures completed one month or more after training, 21 also found significant change. The changes most frequently found included more fvaorable self-concept, reduced prejudice, modified scores on Schutz's Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation-Behavior Test (FIRO-B) and Shostrom's Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), changed behavior as perceived by others not present during training, and a variety of modifications of organizational behavior in which groups are conducted within an organization. Methodological problems requiring further attention include the use of potentially biased observers, inappropriate tests, possible test-sensitization effects, and the use of poorly matched controls.

Group sensitivity training with Thai workers and managers as a process to promote inter- and intrapersonal relations, and work performance

“…However, the fact that both experimental and control groups improved in work performance implies the presence of other maturational or motivational forces within the organization. Changes may tend not to persist some months after tTaining (Smith, 1975(Smith, , 1979and longitudinal study of both participants and non-participants beyond six months in the work environment is recommended.…”

The Effect of Psychodrama Growth Groups on Self‐Concept and Dogmatism Scores in Student Teachers

“…Training programmes to improve personal and interpersonal functioning have been varied in style, scope, and aims throughout the community, and have been variously labelled as human relations training, personal growth groups, sensitivity training and the like. Smith (1975) in reviewing the research on the effectiveness of groups in a wide variety of settings narrowed his sample to include only those studies with control groups, repeated measures design, and a programme of at least 20 hours duration. He found that 78 of 100 studies indicated significant changes at the programme's conclusion and also in 68% of those using a follow-up measure.…”

Educational Considerations, vol. 5(2) Full Issue

“…Behaviorists like to point to the dearth of convincing studies pointing to ef· fectiveness o f group growth experiences, the main tool of the humanists. Campbell and Ounnett (1968) and Smith (1975) have published in the Psychologlcal Bulletin two of the most comprehensive and rigorous reviews. To grossly paraphrase: Campbell and Dunnell find some changes In behavior, but virtually no evidence which Is satisfactory to them, regarding the effectiveness of T-group experiences on managerial personnel relative to their organizational roles; Smith reviewed studies on the outcome of sensitivity training and after culling out numerous studies which didn't obtain measures from controls, which didn't use a repeated measu res design, and which didn't satisfy a mlnlmal lime duration, was able to find a group of 100 powerful studies, only seventy-eight of which detected significant predicted changes in behavior.…”