Effects of task experience and group experience on group performance, member ability, and recognition of expertise

Three studies examined the impact of two types of experience on the performance of problem-solving groups: group experience and task experience. In Study 1, 36 groups completed a survival exercise, and in Study 2, 65 groups completed a price estimation task. As hypothesized, task experience led to better group performance by increasing member ability. Study 3, which examined 21 groups solving quizzes, supported predictions that group experience on a related task increases group performance by facilitating recognition and utilization of member expertise. Results suggest that both group and task experience can facilitate group performance, but through the operation of different mechanisms. (C) 1997 Academic Press.