AbstractThis studyqualitatively examined the interaction patterns associated with group decision‐making. Specifically, a category system identified the functions which verbal behavior performs upon tentatively introduced decision proposals and yielded a theory of decision modification within group discussions. Groups do not apparently make decisions gradually by direct amendments but in sudden jumps to different formulations of the same root proposal. That is, proposals were introduced, discussed, dropped, and reintroduced in modified form. Two discernible patterns of decision modification emerged. One pattern involved systematically reformulating the proposal in language at successively lower levels of abstraction until the proposal achieved consensus. The second pattern involved substitute decision proposals at essentially equivalent levels of abstraction until the revised proposal achieved consensus. Unlike previous theories of flight behavior resulting from interpersonal conflict, the present study indicates that periods of task avoidance are inherent within the group process of cumulative decision modification.“I don't think they play at all fairly,”Alice began, in a rather complaining tone,“and they all quarrel so dreadfullyone can't hear oneself speak–and theydon't seem to have any rules in particular;at least, if there are, nobody attendsto them–and you've no idea howconfusing it is all the things b