GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL EFFECTS IN PROBLEM SOLVING

Hypothesized that when working on a single problem, the combination of individual and group sessions would lead to more solutions than only individual or only group sessions. Dividing 128 Ss into 32 real and nominal work groups, the hypothesis was not confirmed. Instead, the individual production of ideas was found to be superior to either group production or the combination of group and individual production (p < .05). The production of ideas appears to be simply related to the proportion of time spent working alone. Possible explanations are discussed and areas for future research are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.