Modelling the effect of cognitive variables on group
brainstorming using system dynamics
Dr. Dianna Azevedo-Carns
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth, MA USA 02747-2300
(508) 999-8794
dcarns @umassd.edu
Group Support Systems (GSS) researchers have studied group interaction effects on
various productivity variables. The current research is concerned with promoting
productivity of idea generation output on a group brainstorming task, and builds on
previous research (Azevedo-Carns, 1997, 1998; Vennix, 1996) on the dynamics of group
interaction on generative tasks (McGrath & Hollingshead, 1995).
A System Dynamics model represents the effects of key cognitive variables on the
quantity of ideas generated under three conditions: Nominal, Face-to-Face, and
Electronically Interacting groups. This model allows testing of the differential effects of
ideas generated by internal stimulation (individual's long-term memory search) versus
primarily external stimulation (group-generated ideas) on the group productivity. This is
a significant measure since several researchers have found that the quality and creativity
of the ideas generated are highly correlated with the quantity of ideas generated (Parnes,
Noller, Biondi, 1977; Parnes, 1962; and Osborn, 1957).
By focusing on causal relationships between individual cognitive and group variables,
this research attempts to better understand the interaction of cognitive processing factors
with production blocking (Diehl & Strobe, 1987), and other social factors known to affect
interacting group processes. The model also controls for individual differences in
participant’ fluency.
Model testing provides insight into the conditions likely to increase the total quantity of
ideas generated under specific conditions, addressing the question: Under what
conditions will specific types of interaction increase productivity on a group
brainstorming task? Implications of the findings for future theoretical and practical
applications will be discussed.
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0