Group Versus Individual Performance: Are TV + 1 Heads Better Than One?

Experimental comparisons of groups and individuals were analyzed on four di-mensions: task, process, individual differences, and methodology. A standardized terminology based on Lorge, Fox, Davitz, and Brenner was developed to preserve operational definitions in the comparisons of (a) group versus individual, (b) group versus the most competent individual in an aggregate, (c) group versus pooled responses of an aggregate, and (d) group versus math models of perfor-mance. Research supported Steiner's theory of process loss but also suggested evidence for process gain. To avoid confounding of group conditions and subject variables, this review-focused on the results of random assignment of subjects to conditions. Belief in the adage that two heads are better than one can be seen in the acceptance of juries as a basic component of our legal system and in the widespread use of com-mittees. Over the last 60 years variations on this adage have inspired a considerable amount of research comparing individual and group performance (see reviews b