Group Judgment Processes and Outcomes in Videoconferencing vs. Face-to-Face Groups

Groups of size three completed an estimation task by interacting either face-to-face or via a videoconferencing system. Results show significant differences were found in the confidence attached by groups to their decisions. Compared to face-to-face groups, vide-conferencing groups showed smaller increases in confidence in their decisions, especially if they were instructed to discuss their beliefs and assumptions underlying their estimates and not the estimates themselves. However, this confidence was more appropriate than that of the face-to-face groups. Further, video-conferencing groups reported modifying more of their beliefs during discussion. However, there were no significant differences between the two interaction media on the following outcome dimensions: accuracy; over-confidence; size of credible intervals; or improvement over average initial individual estimates. Implications for the design and application of advanced systems for decision-making support and research are discussed