title: The emerging conceptualization of groups as information processors.
abstract: A selective review of research highlights the emerging view of groups as information processors. In this review, the authors include research on processing objectives, attention, encoding, storage, retrieval, processing, response, feedback, and learning in small interacting task groups. The groups as information processors perspective underscores several characteristic dimensions of variability in group performance of cognitive tasks, namely, commonality-uniqueness of information, convergence-diversity of ideas, accentuation-attenuation of cognitive processes, and belongingness-distinctiveness of members. A combination of contributions framework provides an additional conceptualization of information processing in groups. The authors also address implications, caveats, and questions for future research and theory regarding groups as information processors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105-5075, USA. hinsz@plains.nodak.edu
authors.forename: V B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Hinsz
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Tindale
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Vollrath
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention; D003071:Cognition; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008606:Mental Processes; D011939:Mental Recall; D011340:Problem Solving; D012933:Social Identification