INTERACTION PROCESS ANALYSIS

A method devised by Bales (1950 , 1970) for the continuous observation of communication
patterns in interactive groups ( see also group processes, group structure ). Based on the
assumption that group success depends on both how well the group can solve its tasks (task
function) and how satisfied it can keep its members (socio-emotional function), Bales identified
12 interactional moves in four categories: (1) socio-emotional positive (shows solidarity,
tension reduction, agreement); (2) socio-emotional negative (shows antagonism, tension,
disagreement); (3) task-related attempted solutions (gives suggestions, opinions, orientation);
and (4) task-related questions (asks for suggestions, opinions, orientation). At least one rater
observes each group member, and scores occurrences of each interactional move. This method
has been used in a variety of settings, and is a reliable and useful way to analyze group
interactions. For instance, it reveals that different people tend to occupy the roles of socio-
emotional specialist and task specialist in a group, and has led to the idea that there are two
distinct styles of leadership behavior. Interaction process analysis has been criticized for
overemphasizing spoken communication, and failing toconsider the important role of nonverbal
communication .

Bales Interaction Process Analysis (IPA)

The IPA method of analyzing sentiment is

to identify and then record each instance
of a group interaction based on the nature
of the ongoing small group interaction. It
is not used to measure the content of this
interaction. (Bales)

Bales IPA is based on scoring interactions

based on units of interaction or
communication, these scores are applied
to a predetermined set of categories, and
an analysis made based on the scores of
each category. These units are typically
made up from one simple sentence
expressing one idea. Complex sentences
expressing more than one idea are scored
based on the number of independent
clauses they may contain.

Fragments of sentences can be scored as communication, one point each, but the problem with
these comes from the interpretation of them. For instance, a statement of What? can range
from simply seeking clarification to an expression of disbelief. These fragment sentences must
then be taken in context in order to be categorized.

In cases of oral or physical studies, simple sounds like grunts or sighs can typically be
categorized and even facial expressions if the observer feels they convey enough meaning to be
categorized. (Bales)

PROCESS RECORDING
Process recording is a tool used by the student, the field instructor, and the faculty advisor to
examine the dynamics of a particular interaction in time. The process recording is an excellent
teaching device for learning and refining interviewing and intervention skills. The process
recording helps the student conceptualize and organize ongoing activities with client systems, to
clarify the purpose of the interview or intervention, to improve written expression, to identify
strengths and weaknesses, and to improve self-awareness (Urbanowski & Dwyer, 1988). The
process recording is also a useful tool in helping to explore the interplay of values operating
between the student and the client system, through an analysis of the filtering process used in
recording the session.
 QUALITIES OF GOOD MEASUREMENT

Good Measurement is critical in nursing because in order for a patient to be given appropriate care and treatment their
vital signs and other particular need to be able to be measured - easily, quickly, reliably, repeatedly

Some considerations in good measurement would be:

Appropriate scale - the expected results and any divergence from the normal should be able to be seen on the scale of the
instrument if one is being used or by eye if 'signs' are being observed.

Validity- whether an instrument is being used or a particular sign observed in the patient it needs to have a high validity.
In other words they need to be a true representation of what is being looked for to be measured or what the patient is
going through

Reliability - whether an instrument is being used or a particular sign observed in the patient they need to be reliable. In
other words they need to be able to be trusted to give the same result each time they are used to measure the same
condition. The closer each measurement is to the other for the same condition the more accurate it is. The more times the
measurement is made giving this result the more reliable it is.

As an example a good watch with a second hand is useful for measuring a patient's heartbeat or pulse. If the watch does
not give correct seconds then it will not give you an accurate result and the patient's health may suffer as a result.

If it speeds up or slows down while being used it will not be accurate. If it is always slow it may be reliable (always gives
the same result) but it will not be valid (it will be wrong)

Pulse is measured by counting the number of heartbeats for a given number of seconds and dividing the beats by the time.

Eg. 80 heart beats in 1 minute equals

80beats/1min = a pulse of 80

One way to make this more accurate would be to measure number of beats over 5 minutes and average it to one minute.
However there would not be enough time to do this. Also changes to the heartbeat would not be seen in this average.
Instead you can count the number of beats in 10 seconds and times if by six or in 15 sec and times it by 4 for beats per
minute. This allows changes to be seen in the heartbeat and allows more results to be measured and also allows the nurse
to be helping the patient in other ways.

When taking the pulse however, it is vital that the nurse counts correctly, measures the time correctly and makes the
correct mathematical calculation. This takes concentration as simple mistakes when measuring a dose of morphine for
example can endanger the life of the patient.

This shows the human factor in measurement. Use of sight, touch, smell hearing as well as concentration and practice are
all factors involved in good measurement for the nurse.

Also any equipment used should be checked to not be broken or in need of repair and proper instructions followed.