Some effects of decision and discussion on coalescence, change, and effectiveness

Abstract

Differential effects of group decision, group discussion, and their interaction were examined, using discussion-no decision, decision-no discussion, discussion-decision and no discussion-no decision treatments. 20 groups of 5 Ss per group were divided randomly into the 4 treatment categories. "The results… . coalescence was increased by group discussion, group decision and most of all by the combination of both treatments." Greatest opinion change also occurred when both discussion and decision were permitted. The findings are consistent with the assumption that changes and effectiveness in groups primarily result from interaction among members. 15 references. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)