GETTING A CLUE - THE EFFECTS OF COMMUNICATION MEDIA AND INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION ON PARTICIPATION AND PERFORMANCE IN COMPUTER-MEDIATED AND FACE-TO-FACE GROUPS

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) has been viewed as overcoming pr ocess losses in groups by fostering equal participation in discussions . This study examines antecedents of participation and tests the hypot hesis that the benefit of the equalization effect depends on how infor mation is distributed within the group. Fifty-four 3-person groups wor ked on a problem-solving task either in computer conferences or in fac e-to-face meetings Additional pieces of information (clues) were distr ibuted equally across members or to single members. a contrast to idea s that electronic communication reduces inhibitions participation in C MC was associated with individual differences in extraversion a additi on, despite more equal participation in CMC, individuals dominated in both media. Media had few effects on information sharing or performanc e, although CMC groups were less satisfied with the process. Results o f this and other studies of group problem solving suggest that pattern s of interaction and performance in computer-mediated groups do not de part substantially from face-to-face groups, although CMC may introduc e new process losses.