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In this paper, we show that each soft topological group is a strong small soft loop transfer space at the identity element. This indicates that the soft quasitopological fundamental group of a soft connected and locally soft path connected space, is a soft topological group.

AbstractThis study explored psychological conditions affecting children's receptiveness to a newcomer (the guest) in a peer group entry task. Subjects were 93 host dyads (48 male) of 7‐ to 9‐year‐old children. Hosts played a word‐naming game for 5 min before being joined by a male or female guest. The hosts' pre‐entry interaction was coded to reflect an orientation toward the game (agentic) or toward each other and toward experimental setting demands (communal). Hosts' psychological orientation predicted entry outcomes. Specifically, hosts of excluded children verbally competed with each other (an aspect of agency) more than hosts of children who entered. Male hosts competed more than female hosts and female hosts helped and encouraged each other (aspects of the communal orientation) more than male hosts. These findings suggest that the strategies and effort required by children to achieve group entry may depend on prior psychological conditions attending the interaction of the peer group.

This research addressed the relationship between group members' approach to group sessions (their agendas) and group session climate. Also examined was the relationship between length of time in group and agenda quality. In the study, 36 members of six personal growth groups set agendas prior to 6 of the 26 group sessions and rated the climate of the group following these same sessions. The results of a 6 (groups) x 3 (early, middle, late sessions) repeated-measures MANOVA confirmed the expectation that agendas would become more realistic, interpersonal, and here-and-now as time in group progressed. On a group level, average ratings of interpersonal and here-and-now dimensions of agendas were significantly related to the average perception of group climate as more engaged and less avoiding during middle and late sessions. The realistic dimension was related to perceived engagement during early sessions; the here-and-now dimension related to conflict during middle sessions. The clinical usefulness of the results is discussed, and suggestions forfuture research are made.

This article reports the development of an instrument to measure attraction to group and discusses several studies designed to assess its reliability and validity. The Group Attitude Scale is a 20-item self-report measure constructed following an extensive survey of the literature in the area of attraction to group. Final selection of items was based on data obtained from 178 members in 26 groups. In three studies, coefficient alpha has ranged from .90 to .97 at various points in the life of the participating groups. GAS scores are significantly related to interpersonal attraction among group members, group attendance, and termination anxiety. Scores on the GAS also correlate significantly with process consultants' assessments of members' levels ofattraction to group and to scores on the cohesion subscale of the Group Environment Scale (Moos et al., 1974). Implications for research and practice are discussed.

This article argues that a large part of idea-generation behavior in electronic brainstorming (EBS) can be explained by viewing EBS as an individual, cognitive (rather than a social) phenomenon from the human information processing system (IPS) perspective. EBS incorporates a set of structuringmechanisms meant to overcome the limitations of the human IPS. Consequently, a group using an EBS outperforms both verbal brainstorming and nominal groups by operating not as a group but as a collection of individuals who interact with an evolving set of ideas rather than with other individuals. We present a research agenda oriented toward the development of strategies, procedures, and technologiesfor stimulating idea generation. Based on this agenda, we identify the problem of information overload in EBS; develop a set of strategies for addressing the problem, grounded in human information-processing theory; andformulate a set of propositions for testing the strategies.

Gobalisation is continuing to increase the cooperation and interconnectedness of all states' domestic and foreign policy. The Group of 20 (G20) is an institution that has seen both its birth and renewal stem from the aftermath of a crisis, giving it a stable, heroic and dependent mandate for political trust and attention. As a middle power, Australia is always looking for ways to promote its keen multilateral attributes and rising economic status; the G20 gave it the opportunity to do this at a premier, international level. The role that Australia has played and is capability for the future is the focus of this paper. To adequately assess this topic four main elements of the G20 are examined. First, the history of the G20 is considered. A close examination of the purpose behind the creation of the institution is undertaken. This historical context, describing the birth and reformation of the G20 indicates that Australia was fortunate to attain membership from this exclusive group. When the G20 was elevated to the level of premier global economic forum it gave the institution and its members new levels of success and global influence. Second, the motivations behind the protagonist and enthusiastic role of Australia in the reinvigoration of the G20 to its current leader level status are examined. Scrutiny of these motivations highlights the desired international, regional and domestic outcome from Australia's involvement and active participation in the forum. These motivations were condensed into four main themes: the elevation of regional importance and middle power status; invested interest in the agenda; Australia's heavy reliance on trade; and the need to project its power in an internationally significant forum capable of real change. The third and largest area of in-depth research surrounds the actual and potential contributions of Australia to the G20. The actual contributions of Australia mirror aspects of Australia's initial motivations, as well as promoting actual reform and leadership traits. Australia has made numerous meaningful and actual contributions to the G20 though its chairmanship in 2006, domestic stimulus package, working group negotiation skills and the ability to promote effective and legitimate discussions as a middle power. Australia's potential contribution is also extensive and multifaceted. Research indicates that Australia's experience as a resource and agriculture and regulator may extend transnationally in an effort to achieve G2O aspirations. There is also the potential for Australia to exude leadership abilities in the wake of leadership transiency, however this is a potential position that many similarly placed G20 members desire. Within this chapter the involvement of Australia in formal and informal outreach arrangements is examined. As the G20 grows in influence, there is an increasing need to maintain legitimacy through non-member involvement. Australia understands this requirement and has suggested aligning other international agenda and the interests of neighbouring states to the G20 agenda. This is a topic that Australia will need to develop if it wishes to uphold the credibility of the G20 and its decisions. The forth and final area of research pertains to the future position of the G20 as both a 'crisis response' and 'steering committee' for global economic cooperation. The expanding nature of global fora, in addition to the most recent G20 agenda, has demonstrated the political will (both from within and outside the G20) to broaden the agenda of the G20. This final chapter examines the practicality and workability of such expansion. There is a limit to the expansion of the G 20, if it wishes to remain dedicated to concrete action. The agenda must maintain an economic focus and continue to address international issues at a leaders-level to remain a premier forum within the patchwork of global institutions. In-depth examination of the G20's future also dispels the notion of fierce competition between the Group of 7 /8 (G7 / G8) and the G20. Both of these institutions will remain relevant for the international community in the foreseeable future given the unspoken division of labour created between them. In summary, this paper makes the research based assertions that Australia has made a meaningful contribution to the efforts of the G20 to date and has the capacity to continue this level of contribution in the future. Australia will have to increase its formal and informal outreach mechanisms to promote regional cohesion and safeguard the institutions legitimacy. Australia will also need to comprehend the restrictions on the G20's capacity to expand beyond economics. The need to tender issues for their economic value will be of critical importance to the G20 in the future. Furthermore, the relationship between the G7 /8 and the G20 will maintain contrasting international focuses with a healthy level of economic overlap.

This article examines the concepts of group membership, group identity and racial identity, and group consciousness. For each of these we discuss theoretical definitions, research using the various definitions, and issues of measurement. We show that these concepts are distinct and build on each other, rather than being interchangeable. We also explore the concept of linked fate, which evolved from the concept of group consciousness and is central in the race and politics literature. Finally, we address the very important question of whether we are in danger of overextrapolation—taking concepts developed in research on one group and grafting them onto other groups.