| The present study was conducted to examine a few of the factors presented in a model associated with the decision to share or not share information in a group setting. Additionally, a self-report transactive memory measure, along with an observational measure, was utilized to assess the measurement of that construct. This study was used to see if individual or group training, and demonstrating expertise in groups would increase levels of performance, group efficacy, and the presence of a transactive memory system.; The study consisted of 180 participants placed into 3-person groups from a Midwestern university. Participants were trained on a novel task either as individuals or as a group. Also, each participant assigned to the expertise information condition was given unique information on one part of the task, hence making them all experts at different parts of the task. Together, groups performed the task. In the study, participants were given the group efficacy assessment, the self-report transactive memory measure, and a post-session questionnaire assessing the group strategies that were employed. Performance was measured by the investigator based on if the task was performed correctly using a detailed scoring protocol.; The findings indicated that expertise and being trained in a group lead to higher levels of group efficacy. Findings were mixed on both the observational and self-report measure of transactive memory. This suggests that both measures might be better utilized in combination as a more accurate measure of transactive memory. |
