One of the most important aspects of the study is the validation of the 

 observational methodology. The results show that reliable and meaningful data 

 can be collected from natural groups over time. The techniques employed in 

 TEKTITE should be easily adaptable to a wide assortment of natural situations. 

 One obvious application is to manned spaceflight and spaceflight simulations. 



A logical refinement of the methodology will be to convert data management pro- 

 grams developed during TEKTITE for real-time operation. This would make it 

 possible to provide operational personnel with immediate data on reactions and 

 patterns of behavior. This raises the possibility of more effective interven- 

 tion in group processes to eliminate developing problems and facilitate perform- 

 ance and adjustment. 



It is all too typical to end with a call for further research. Although this 

 call could easily be issued for the follow-up of numerous important paths opened 

 by the study, it may be more appropriate to note how much remains to be gleaned 

 from the mass of research already completed. A large archive of highly reliable 

 data on real behavior has been amassed in which researchers can test important 

 theoretical hypotheses for some time. This seems to us quite sufficient to 

 answer those who claim that the "real world" is too difficult and costly an 

 arena for psychological research. If we were to be allowed only one conclusion 

 from our experiences in TEKTITE, it would be this: not only is work in the 

 field possible and rewarding, but also, the quality and breadth of the data 

 collected more than offset the difficulties involved in their collection. 



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