An experimental investigation comparing the effectiveness of two methods of group model building under two levels of facilitation on mental model development.

摘要

This research evaluates whether individual mental models of system functioning may be made more robust using group-based modeling methods and whether variations in facilitation and method affects the type of group dynamics that occurs. In Experiment I, mental model development was assessed using a repeated measure model involving two Methods: Case Study and Management Flight Simulator under Facilitated and Non-Facilitated conditions. Measurement tasks included an open-ended question, two ratings tasks and a diagramming task.; Method x Facilitation x Time was significant on ANOVA for both Ratings Task I F(1,54) = 7.52, p .01 and Ratings Task II F(1,54) = 3.73, p .05. Whereas Facilitation improved performance from Time1 to Time2 in the Case groups on Ratings Task I, it did not in the Simulation groups. Conversely, on Ratings Task II, Facilitation appeared to aid performance in Simulation but not Case groups. Subsequent MANOVA also showed a moderately significant interaction effect for Method x Facilitation x Time F(3,47) = 2.92, p .05.; In Experiment II, Method and Facilitation were evaluated for their effect on group dynamics. Audio recordings of a group-based modeling activity were analyzed for comments on Strategy, Process, Rationale and Facilitation and assessed for perceived level of input on and agreement with the group's final strategy.; A significant main effect on ANOVA for Method on comments of Strategy, Rationale and Process emerged. Simulation groups generated significantly more strategic comments F(1,10) = 5.18, p .05 while Case groups made significantly more comments pertaining to rationale F(1,10) = 9.16, p .05 and process F(1,10) = 3.47, p = .10. Method was also significant on the voting procedure. Individuals in Simulation perceived more input on final strategy F(1,54) = 4.94, p .05. Lastly, there was a significant ANOVA main effect for Facilitation F(1,10) = 5.40, p .05 with facilitated groups making more facilitative comments.; MANOVA of the comment types also showed a highly significant main effect for Method F(4, 7) = 22.31, p .01 and a significant Method x Facilitation interaction F(4,7) = 6.37, p .05.; Findings support that different measurement methods tap different knowledge types and that variations in performance and group dynamics may occur as a function of method and facilitation.