Electronic brainstorming in small and large groups

Results suggest that the benefits of electronic brainstorming are more pronounced with larger groups than with smaller groups, and there was a significant difference between small verbal groups and large verbal groups.

Abstract

An experiment was conducted with small groups averaging about eight people and large groups averaging about 48 people in size. We compared the group members' perceived production blocking, evaluation apprehension, and satisfaction with a meeting of each group size using electronic and verbal brainstorming. While there was no significant difference in perceived satisfaction, evaluation apprehension, or production blocking in either group size using electronic brainstorming, there was a significant difference between small verbal groups and large verbal groups. There was also a significant difference in the dependent measures between large verbal groups and large electronic brainstorming groups. Results suggest that the benefits of electronic brainstorming are more pronounced with larger groups than with smaller groups.