Assembly bonus effect or typical group performance? A comment on Michaelsen, Watson, and Black (1989)

Abstract

L. K. Michaelsen et al (see record 1990-04483-001 ) argue that, by using experienced groups working on relevant tasks with real rewards, an assembly bonus effect (group performance that is better than the performance of any individual group member or any combination of individual member efforts [B. E. Collins and H. Guetzkow, 1964]) was demonstrated. Using computer simulations based on the Michaelsen et al findings, the authors argue that it is highly unlikely that an assembly bonus effect was found and that the results are typical of those obtained in standard laboratory experiments on group problem solving. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)