This study investigated the claim that keyboard-based computer-mediate
d group discussion suppresses normative influence relative to informat
ional influence. In a simulated panel of inquiry presented with comput
er databases containing inconsistent and incompletely shared informati
on, four-person groups attempted to reach decisions either in face-to-
face (FF) discussions or in real time computer-mediated (CM) discussio
ns via a network linking computers at separate locations. CM groups re
ported greater difficulty communicating ideas than FF groups and took
longer to reach a decision. Contrary to previous research, CM groups e
xhibited a preference for a normative style of discussion, exchanging
proportionally more positional and value statements and proportionally
fewer factual and inferential statements than FF groups, but only in
the final stage of the experiment. This discussion style led in turn t
o lower levels of private post-decision agreement and decision satisfa
ction among CM groups. Results are discussed in terms of the restricti
ons imposed by computer mediation on group discussion, and how these c
ombine with other task conditions to determine group goals and discuss
ion style.