Naieve Groups Can Solve the Hidden-Profile Problem

摘要

Research involving hidden-profile tasks suggests that groups typically fail to detect hidden profiles. In previous studies, group members always considered the alternatives in the choice tasks prior to joining the group and, thus, entered discussions with preformed preferences (predecided groups). We set up a new condition, in which group members received their information regarding the choice alternatives at the beginning of their group session (naieve groups). When information was provided in the form of common rather than in the form of unique cues, naieve groups detected the hidden profile throughout. The results indicate that naieve groups are able to detect hidden profiles.