INFORMATION SEARCH AND THE EFFECTS OF FAILURE: A TEST OF COMPLEXITY THEORY
Abstract
The effects of increasing failure and of individual differences in the complexity of conceptual structure on dyad decision-making teams were examined. A complex experimental simulation environment was used as the research method. It was found that simple subjects engaged in more delegated information search than complex subjects, probably due to the influence of social desirability. No differences between simple and complex groups of subjects were found in self-initiated information search. This form of search increased with initial increasing (lower) failure levels, and remained fairly constant under higher failure levels. Two measures of integrative information utilization were employed. The number of information search moves later utilized in integrative (strategic) decision making produced an inverted U- shaped curve with optimal levels under moderate failure conditions. Efficiency of information utilization showed a general decrease as failure increased. Complex groups of subjects exceeded simple groups on both measures of information utilization. The data produced only limited support for complexity theory, and did support, where applicable, the information search theory of Feather.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0682930
Entities
People
- Carl H. Castore
- Siegfried Streufert
Organizations
- Purdue University