Group discussion as interactive dialogue or as serial monologue: The influence of group size

Fay, N., Garrod, S.C. and Carletta, J. (2000) Group discussion as interactive dialogue or as serial monologue: The influence of group size. Psychological Science, 11(6), pp. 481-486. (doi: 10.1111/1467-9280.00292)

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Abstract

Current models draw a broad distinction between communication as dialogue and communication as monologue. The two kinds of models have different implications for who influences whom in a group discussion. If the discussion is like interactive dialogue, group members should be influenced most by those with whom they interact in the discussion; if it is like serial monologue, they should be influenced most by the dominant speaker. The experiments reported here show that in small, 5-person groups, the communication is like dialogue and members are influenced most by those with whom they interact in the discussion. However, in large, 10-person groups, the communication is like monologue and members are influenced most by the dominant speaker. The difference in mode of communication is explained in terms of how speakers in the two sizes of groups design their utterances for different audiences.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Garrod, Professor Simon
Authors: Fay, N., Garrod, S.C., and Carletta, J.
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Psychological Science
ISSN:0956-7976
ISSN (Online):1467-9280
Published Online:08 February 2002

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