1. False - a breakdown in communication would only occur when the participants stopped communicating with each other. Arguing, no matter how unpleasant, is still communication
2. False - all groups can either satisfy or frustrate our social needs. See Task & Socio-Emotional Dimensions of a Group.
3. Forming - see Group Development
4. Storming - see Group Development
5. All of the above - Although cohesiveness is most often FELT during the performing phase, cohesiveness is BUILT throughout the other phases as well. The foundation for cohesiveness building is laid in the storming phase when group members recognize the indivuality and develop respect for each other. The norming phase contributes a sense of being able to get along with one another. See Group Development
6.. it provides a framework for looking at complex processes of groups of people.
Groups are not simple. In groups, individual elements do not operate in isolation from one another. There is no single most important reason why something happens; there are many factors all of which can be equally important.
7. The leadership skills of the members are considered a small group input. Anything that the members bring to the group (skills like listening, leadership, conflict management; resources like time & money, etc) are inputs. Outputs are anything that the group produces - both task and socio-emotional
8. All of the above. Conflict produces critical thinking which helps members understand issues and can produce a solution which has not been previously thought of. By giving group members a forum to express themselve, it can increase member involvement and interest (and satisfaction). Overcoming conflict (and the increased understand of one another managing conflict requires) can lead to a sense of cohesiveness.