Why We Still Have to Be Reductionists About Group Memory

TitleWhy We Still Have to Be Reductionists About Group Memory
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of PublicationSubmitted
AuthorsCharles Pavitt
JournalHuman Communication Research
Volume29
Issue4
Pagination624-629
ISSN03603989
Abstract

Groups do not, in general, pool their members' knowledge successfully. This can be generalized to the point that groups perform more poorly than the sum of their members' individual potential in most tasks with objectively-measurable standards of performance. In this closing essay of the colloquy, I discuss some matters inspired by the essays responding to my original argument, most notably the status of baseline models and the importance of research relevant to communication content and process during group discussion.