Group Processes, group judgments, and group decisions

Section: G-I-transfer and group coordination (DFG project)

Important judgments and decisions in politics, economy, and science are often made by groups rather than individuals. Therefore, it is of critical interest to know when groups are actually superior decision-makers and which group-specific processes influence the quality of judgments and decisions in groups. Our research project aims to identify and study both group processes that are detrimental to group performance and those that enhance it. Here, we distinguish processes that affect group members’ motivation from processes that change their ability to perform the task and processes that influence coordination within the groups. Based on our investigations, we hope to gain important insights into cooperation within groups, which will ultimately serve as the basis for the development of interventions aiming to improve the quality of judgments and decision in groups. 

Section: Advice taking in groups (DFG project)

Groups frequently consult expert advisors when making important decisions. In fact, such expert advice can greatly improve the quality of judgments and decisions. However, it is currently debated to what extent groups are able to use advice effectively, and whether certain group-specific processes have an impact on how much groups follow external advice. We address these questions in our research project by examining whether and how groups of different sizes differ from individuals in terms of how they use external advice.