Abstract
In this study, we examined the process of problem solving in mailing list discussion groups. We analyzed subjects' participation in discussions and e-mail messages when solving two types of tasks (a mechanical spring problem and a catch phrase making task) by groups of three sizes (small, medium, large). Group performance was compared with the performance of non-collaborating artificial work groups. Results indicate that group size and task type influence the degree of participation and group performance. We found a significant contrast in large-groups. In the ‘spring problem’, which is a difficult scientific task, the group process was inactive and group performance got worse as group size increased. In the ‘catch phrase’ task, communication was active and various opinions were proposed, and group participation and performance did not drop even in large groups.
