EXTENDING INTERACTION THEORY

Theories of social interaction focus on attributes of persons, situati onal expression of these attributes, and relation of personal attribut es to those of others in groups. Task groups are the main topic of int erest in these studies. This article briefly reviews core ideas of one theory of interaction. This theory emphasizes the relational explanat ion of organizing interaction. Developments within the theory bared on research that is both supportive of it and challenging to it are disc ussed. The article concludes with a brief overview of other articles i n this special issue.