Convergent or Divergent Problem Space Search: The Effect of Problem Structure on Group Versus Individual Problem Solving

Two laboratory experiments investigated whether group interaction hinders searching a problem space. The results from both studies show that individuals engage in a broader search of a problem space when it is either unconstrained or constrained but ill-structured. Conversely, when the problem is well-structured and has a constrained solution state, individuals and groups search that space equally well.

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