Which type of group is characterized by intense emotional ties and face-to-face interaction?

The correct answer is the primary group, which is defined by strong emotional ties and direct, personal interactions among its members. Primary groups are typically small and consist of individuals such as family and close friends, where relationships are intimate and enduring. These groups are foundational to socialization, and they play a crucial role in shaping an individual's identity and emotional well-being due to the deep connections formed within them.

In contrast, secondary groups tend to be larger and more impersonal, often formed for a specific purpose or activity, such as a workplace or a club, where interactions are more formal and not based on emotional ties. Reference groups provide standards and serve as a point of reference for evaluating one's own behavior and attitudes but do not necessarily have the same intimate relationships as primary groups. Aggregate groups are simply collections of individuals who happen to be together in the same place at the same time, without the emotional connection or structured relationship found within primary groups.