Publication Date

2002

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Neuman, George

Degree Name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Legacy Department

Department of Psychology

LCSH

Brainstorming; Group problem solving; Interactive management; Social psychology

Abstract

This dissertation assessed the impact of group-level personality traits on the processes and outcomes of brainstorming groups. Specifically, it was hypothesized that the effects of group-level personality on outcomes are mediated by group process variables. In addition, it was hypothesized that trait combinations would predict variance in the group process variables beyond that predicted by the individual traits. Subjects were 312 undergraduate students who were randomly placed in 78 four-person groups. Measures included a personality (openness, extraversion, and emotional stability), group processes (social loafing, evaluation apprehension, and production blocking), and group outcomes (quality and quantity of ideas generated by the brainstorming groups). Although none of the hypotheses were supported, several interesting findings are worth noting. The mean extraversion score of a group had statistically significant relationships with all of the group process variables. The mean openness score of a group had statistically significant relationships with the quality and the quantity of ideas generated in a brainstorming group, but mean openness was not related to the group process variables. Finally, the mean emotional stability score of a group did not have statistically significant relationships with the group process variables, but it did have one statistically significant relationship with a group outcome variable (average idea quality). Implications of these findings and areas for future research are briefly discussed.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [72]-76).

Extent

[vii], 76 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS