PSYC 3430 Lecture Notes - Transactive Memory, Alex Faickney Osborn, Decision Support System
26 Apr 2013
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In most cases, groups are better at choosing, judging, estimating, and problem solving than individuals. Even very powerful individuals rarely make decisions without consulting others to prevent being overwhelmed. Groups have standards for deciding (ex: majority rules ) Includes several processes, however decisions can be faulty. Myers (2002): none of us alone, is as smart as us together . More people = more information, more support. More people means people can do what they are best at. Groups can discuss and process information (check for errors) Groups have also been shown to diagnose problems better, find information quicker, and have better grades. Shaw (1932): examined the sagacity of groups by putting 21 individuals and 5-four person groups to work on several intellective tasks the missionary-cannibal task . Compared to individuals, groups generated more correct solutions, and they were also better at checking for errors in calculations and faulty inferences about the problems. However, groups took longer to make decisions.
