Meetings Make Us Dumber

[James Brody]

I recall a psychology intern who responded to every call to order with a move to adjourn. He left his internship for a job in Hawaii...a clearly gifted individual! I think this recent confirmation of what we already know has a profound truth about network formation. The phenomenon of lateral inhibition also lurks in these data and the study might even say something about founder effects and K- and r-selection!

JimB
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"Meetings make us dumber, study shows brainstorming sessions backfire when group thinking clouds decisions.

"Scientists exposed study participants to one brand of soft drink then asked them to think of alternative brands. Alone, they came up with significantly more products than when they were grouped with two others.

"When a group gets together, they can miss out on good options," study team member H. Shanker Krishnan told LiveScience. ... "Whether it's with family or a group of co-workers, we could very quickly fixate on things and all come up with the same options." ... when a group of people receives information, the inclination is to discuss it. The more times one option is said aloud, the harder it is for individuals to recall other options...students, executives or football fans, should take time to consider the facts on their own before coming to a consensus"

Reference: Leonard A (2007) Meetings make us dumber. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17279961/