Reinforcement in Group Problem-Solving with Arithmetic Problems

Abstract

Sixty four-man groups using communication nets adapted from Leavitt and Shaw (All-Channel, Wheel, and Circle) were run under conditions of reinforcement and non-reinforcement on six arithmetic problems. Reinforcement was found to significantly decrease time for All-Channel groups. Circle groups decreased time but not significantly, while Wheel groups increased their scores. Reinforced All-Channel groups used significantly fewer messages. Morale scores tended to be higher for the non-reinforced groups than for the reinforced. The combination of net structure, level of problem and stress of reinforcement are suggested as accounting for the results.