Abstract: A dynamic and complex group process can be defined by members’ actions and interactions. Much research focused on the interaction process and developed different observation analysis systems with frameworks of equilibrium, group function, or time theory. This study discussed the reliability, validity, theoretical orientation, analysis unit, and coding difficulty of these analysis systems, and suggested that a more sophisticated analysis system should take into account of the dynamic features of group task, the relationship between interaction process and group performance, and the utility of interaction coding systems.

Key words: small group, group process, group interaction, coding analysis system