Development of a Small-Group Team Performance Taxonomy Based on Meta-Analysis.
Abstract
A meta analysis of the small-group team performance literature was used as the basis for deriving a classification system (taxonomy) that would help specify team characteristics most relevant to performance outcomes. Such an organizing framework represents a crucial first step toward enhancing the composition and training of Navy teams. From 117 research studies that met the criteria for inclusion--i.e., studies using small groups functioning as 'true' teams and providing suitable quantitative information--categories of dependent-independent variable linkages could be identified in terms of their effect-size magnitudes. Those values, as well as other quantitative attributes of the aggregated studies, made it possible to: (a) define a hierarchy of relative importance for the experimental variables (e.g., task complexity, structure and practice being among those of primary influence), (b) specify several input-process-output models in a presumed causal format, and (c) identify relational gaps to be filled by future research--i.e., based on data needed for more complete model specification. The information used for this study is incorporated in a public use data set, in spreadsheet format on PC floppy disk, for user special-needs analyses and for re-analyses as new study findings become available and are incorporated in the data set.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA192993
Entities
People
- Donald A. Rock
- Norman E. Freeberg
Organizations
- Educational Testing Service