ABOUT PROANA
Connie J. Conlee and Kevin Cabral
In the mid 1960's while a Michigan State University, Brad Lashbrook (Lashbrook & Lashbrook, 1969) began work on computer software designed to analyze small group interaction. The program was called PROANA5, PRO meaning process, ANA for analysis, and 5 for the ideal size of a small group. The program has proved its timelessness when a PC version of the program was developed in 1996 by Kevin Cabral at California State University, Fresno. This version of the program capable of analyzing 4, 5, and 6 member groups and employs a web-based platform.
PROANA is based upon the assumption that patterns of interaction and non-interaction can be used as a way of identifying a variety of group dynamics variables including leadership emergence, isolation, dominance, detrimental clique group formation, and balance of participation by group members. The program is an effective classroom and research tool. The easy coding scheme is easy to learn in a very short period of time when compared to other interaction coding systems and has high inter-rater reliability (Lashbrook & Lashbrook, 1969). It is a useful instructional tool for providing students with feedback in several important communication skill areas including critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving, and interpersonal competence. In the classroom, it is a useful tool for facilitating and evaluation cooperative learning. Finally, the program is a valuable research tool for the study of communication in small groups. This web-based platform provides much easier accessibility for instructors, students, and researchers.
The program employs two units of analysis: patterned interactions and non-patterned interactions. A "patterned interaction" is recorded when a group member says something and one or more members respond. A "non-patterned interaction occurs when a group member says something and there is no response for a significant period of time. These interactions are recorded on a coding form that includes diagrams representing 3 time periods of a group discussion. Observers need to print out three copies of 4-member, 5-member, and 6 member coding forms before observing a group. Each corner of the diagram represents a group member. The observer writes each group member's name on the appropriate corner of the diagram. Patterned interactions are recorded on the line between the initiator of the message and the responder(s). Non-patterned interactions are recorded by the group members' names. More specific instructions on observation and coding procedures are available through this link.
Lashbrook, W. B., & Lashbrook, V. J. (1969). PROANA5: A computerized technique for the
analysis of small group interaction: User's manual. Minneapolis, MN: Burgess Publishing.
Cabral, K. J. (1995). PROANA5: A computer software upgrade. Masters project, California State
University, Fresno.