The study investigated effects of computer-based messaging and training in communication strategies on interactions of deaf and typically hearing (TH) teammates in completing decision-making tasks without interpreter support. Fifteen teams, two deaf and two TH college students each, completed three decision-making tasks, one without messaging, one…

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) is a 21st-century skill essential for learning gains, workplace success, and tackling increasingly complicated global problems. Group diversity plays a vital role during collaborative activities, especially in a digital space. Although CPS involves dynamic communication behaviors, few studies have considered the…

Groups are a fundamental part of the business world. Yet, as companies continue to expand internationally, a major challenge lies in promoting effective communication among employees who work in varying time zones. Global expansion often requires group collaboration through computer systems. Computer-mediated groups lead to different communicative…

States that the contrast of face-to-face communication with computer-mediated communication (CMC), either experimentally or experientially, may be a valuable way for teaching group dynamics and group decision making in educational settings. Suggests several ways to facilitate the use of CMC in single-session experimental and experiential…

Examines the effects of process structuration by means of a training video on maintenance behavior and outcomes in 55 student virtual decision-making groups. Finds that trained groups had higher levels of social support, greater participation rates, and greater satisfaction with the group; wasted less time and energy; and made significantly more…

Examines the relationship between identity and anonymity in use of computer-based group decision support systems (GDSS). Finds that identification with all targets was lower in GDSS meetings than it was in general; and that discursively anonymous participants had less identification with their group and used fewer expressions of multiple…

Investigates whether a member with information critical for making the best group decision positively influences the group's final choice. Examines impact of status differences among members and of communication media (face-to-face versus computer-mediated communication). Finds that mixed-status groups made poorer decisions and fewer references to…

Two experiments investigated if and how visual representation of interactants affects depersonalization and conformity to group norms in anonymous computer-mediated communication (CMC). In Experiment 1, a 2 (intergroup versus interpersonal) x 2 (same character versus different character) between-subjects design experiment (N=60), each participant…

Satisfaction is a construct that is important to the development of intrinsic motivation and the continuing effort to learn. Research that helps to identify those factors that contribute to satisfaction is useful in the design of electronic support systems for individuals and groups. This paper investigates the impact of "need for…

Discusses the relationship of gender and discourse types, including epistolary and expository, in computer-mediated communication such as listservs. Describes a study that used transcript analysis to determine whether gender patterns could be detected in an online graduate course and considers the strategic value of discourse styles in group…

This research review examines recent developments in computer-mediated communication (CMC) research for educational applications. The review draws on 170 recent research articles selected from 78 journals representing a wide range of disciplines. The review focuses on peer-reviewed empirical studies, but is open to a variety of methodologies. The…

This study of distance education students enrolled in a masters program taught entirely online describes the community building process of virtual learning teams as they form, establish roles and group norms, and address conflict. Topics include interaction within groups; factors that guided group process and decision making; collaboration; use of…

Explores reasons for organizations' use of groups and the need for groupware systems. Discusses vendors; Electronic Problem Structuring; synchronous and asynchronous communication; four stages of decision-making (intelligence, design, choice, and implementation); the Windows environment; the loss of non-verbal communication; and future groupware…

The use of new and advanced technologies has a significant potential to impact the way students communicate in a number of contexts and settings. Many students will find themselves in both academic and career situations where computer-mediated communication (CMC) group interaction will be necessary. As a result, it is important to integrate…

This study examined differences in individual influence and decision quality across communication media. Participants were 64 introductory psychology students. Results showed that influence for dominating participants remained stable across three media conditions (telephone, computer, and face-to-face). Less dominating participants had higher…