Group processes cluster by size into dyads, demes, and macrodemes with distinct functions.

Evidence

The model sketched in Table 4.1 suggests an initial decomposition of functions as well as a dynamic large-grain or rough developmental sequence. Dyads would appear relevant to nonverbal forms of knowledge. Rhythmicity, gaze, pointing, and nodding might be examples for further investigation. Primates have a considerable repertoire of nonverbal signaling that facilitates complex behavior. Task groups of five or so people appear related to concrete understanding almost literally “on the ground,” and macrodemes (which are collections of related demes) of about 300 people appear related to an overall sense of symbolically created “groupishness” or identity. Demes seem to be in the middle, serving as a clearinghouse for the outputs of other structures. Once evolved, a particular function can be used for novel purposes and can be extended through technological means. In Table 4.1, we see that shared reality, indigenous psychologies (folk psychologies), and group identities are coordinative functions in demes. Demes are sufficiently flexible that they can function across macrodemes and even in largescale group structures. Complex social identity (Brewer & Gardner, 1996; Brewer & Roccas, 2001) illustrates this scalability: nested identities such as “actor,” “Californian,” and “American” contribute somewhat differently to commonly recognized American “indigenous” or folk psychology. Modern people also have cross-cutting identities enabling membership in multiple non-demic groups. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 403

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 403