The effect of feedback on aspects of the organization of small groups

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston UniversityIn studies of behavior of individuals it has been found that knowledge of the results of performance enables Ss to increase the accuracy and reduce the variability of their responses. Similarly, studies of groups indicate an increase in accuracy following receipt of information concerning results. To explain this it has been suggested that the information enables members to develop an organization to solve problems. In this research an attempt was made to investigate the relationship between increased information concerning performance and the development of aspects of organization in small groups. A positive relation was predicted between these two conceptual variables through a process approximating the following formulation. With increased information the Ss' responses become less variable (more stable). This increased stability enables the Ss to develop a set of expectations or conjectures about the behavior of others in the group. The information in addition to increasing the stability ot responses also provides the basis against which the Ss may test their conjectures. A validated set of expectations should enable Ss to coordinate their responses with those of others. This in turn should result in an increase in group accuracy. While this formulation is not tested in the experiment reported here, aspects of it are directly dealt with. [TRUNCATED