Can simple group heuristics detect hidden profiles in randomly generated environments? (2005)

Abstract

Research on the hidden-profile effect (Stasser, 1992) has revealed\nthat groups often fail to detect the choice alternative with the\nhighest sum score if the individual group members' information points\nto another alternative. We conducted a simulation study in which\nwe randomly generated distributions of information such that they\ndid or did not contain a hidden profile. The simulated groups solved\nthe tasks by applying a unit weight linear model or a fast and frugal\nheuristic (Minimalist or Take The Best). Overall, a communication-based\nlexicographic heuristic performed best across the different environments.\nThis fast and frugal heuristic makes cue-wise comparisons of alternatives\nwhile pooling information during group discussion. Moreover, results\nshow that performance depends on whether group members share and\nexchange information on valid or on invalid cues. Directions for\nfuture research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008\nAPA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)

Bibliographic entry

Reimer, T., & Hoffrage, U. (2005). Can simple group heuristics detect hidden profiles in randomly generated environments? Swiss Journal of Psychology, 64, 21-37. (Full text)

Miscellaneous

Publication year 2005
Document type: Article
Publication status: Published
External URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1024/1421-0185.64.1.21 View
Categories: Take-the-bestEnvironment Structure
Keywords: decision strategiesgroup decision makinghidden-profile effectlexicographic heuristicshared informationunit weight linear model

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