The Effects of Conflict, Quality and Time on Small Group Information Use and Behavior in Evaluative Decision-Making Situations [microform] / Glenn D. Pflum and Robert D. Brown

This study investigated information needs and use by groups in decision-making processes. Problem contexts were varied by conflict, quality, and time conditions and presented to 89 graduate level education students who simulated school board members making decisions about educational programs. The research hypotheses were: (1) there are no significant differences in need or use of information in decision-making and (2) there are no significant differences in perceptions of group process or behavior. Some findings include: (1) interactions of conflict and quality do produce a need for more information and time, (2) conflict and time interaction affect preference to talk to other board members, and (3) changes in situational contexts affect information need and use in small decision-making groups. The authors discuss the limitations of the study, pointing out the weaknesses inherent in simulation research. (MD)