ABSTRACT
This chapter compares the interpersonal styles of boys who differ in exploration preferences. It considers the characteristics of social interaction for 10th-grade boys. The chapter captures social climate of two study schools (Wayne and Thurston High Schools) in discussion groups. The group discussion was a relatively unique situation for boys at both schools. It was controlled to extent that similar topics and the same group leader were part of both groups. During each group session, one observer kept a record of who has talking to whom, including side conversations that might not be audible on tape recording. After the session, this observer used the observation record to follow the tape and to code verbal interaction. A discussion group at Wayne might easily be focused around the task of learning interpersonal skills. This might involve exercises in role playing, in expressing feelings of hostility and warmth directly, and in learning to listen and respond appropriately to another person's point of view.
