A study of performance contrasting established groups with zero-history groups and individuals

Previous research has shown that newly formed groups can decrease individual performance when group members are engaged in the same task, and when the individuals' contributions are anonymous. This phenomenon has been called the "Ringelmann effect" or "social loafing." This study was designed to determine whether these decreases also occur in well established groups. These treatment groups were created to form a between-subjects design. Subjects were tested on a brainstorming task either (1) individually, (2) in a newly formed group, or (3) in an established group with a history of cooperative activity. The performance decrease found by other researchers in the newly formed groups was replicated here. No significant not found on the treatment groups. differences were brainstorming task between the three (Unexpectedly, a negative correlation toward the was found between feelings of responsibility zero-history group and performance on the brainstorming task.) It was concluded that social loafing may occur in fewer situations than previously believed. Varying the degree to which subjects' performance may be observed is suggested for further research.