Problem Solving (chpt.7)

Question 1

Problem solving

Answer 1

There exists a correct answer.

Question 2

Shaw 1932

Answer 2

Compared to individuals, groups are better at problem-solving because groups can better catch errors (avoid mistakes).

Question 3

Laughlin et al. (1991)

Answer 3

Compared to (most) individuals, groups are better at problem solving (rule induction tasks) – especially when groups have sufficient time and allowed to consider sufficient amounts of information.
Groups more likely to find the correct solution, and less likely to propose an incorrect (non-plausible) solution.

Question 4

Truth wins SDS

Answer 4

Most likely when solving problems with high demonstrability (example: math problems)

Having one group member (the “solver”) who has the correct answer is enough

Groups do better than individuals on solving math problems (Laughlin & Ellis, 1986)
Truth-wins SDS

Groups do better than individuals on solving analogies (Laughlin & Adamopoulos, 1980)
Truth-supported wins SDS

Groups are more likely to find the correct solution to problems that require a Truth-wins SDS than to problems that require a Truth-supported wins SDS.

Question 5

Laughlin & Ellis (1986)

Answer 5

Conditions for using Truth-Wins SDS for a high-demonstrable problem:
The group agrees on a “system” that can be used to solve the problem
There is sufficient info to solve it
The group is able to recognize the correct solution when it is brought up by the “solver”
The “solver” is able, and willing, to effectively share it with the others.

Question 6

Group individual transfer

Answer 6

Individuals who solve problems in groups presumed to later solve problems better than individuals who have not had this group “training” experience (Laughlin, Carey, & Kerr, 2008).

Conditions compared
Individual-Group-Individual (IGI) trials vs.
Individual-Individual-Individual (III) trials
Supporting studies
Laughlin and Adamopoulos (1980): 30 verbal analogies problems
Laughlin and Ellis (1986): 10 algebra, geometry, and probability problems
Stasson et al. (1991): 5 math problems for first and second trial and 5 new math problems on the third (I) trial

Question 7

More supporting studies for group-to-individual transfer

Answer 7

Stasson et al. (1991): 5 math problems for first and second trial (IG or II) and 5 new math problems on the third (I) trial

Olivera and Straus (2004): III vs. IGI vs IVI, using brain teasers problems
Same results, plus watching video of group solving problems (V) did not help individual performance on third individual trial (I)