Shared Information Bias 📁
🧠 Psych - 74 / 100
Hello,
Today, we will be talking about the Shared Information Bias.
What is it?
The tendency for group members to spend more time and energy discussing information that all members are already familiar with (i.e., shared information), and less time and energy discussing information that only some members are aware of (i.e., unshared information). [1]
Example -
The present study sought to understand processes associated with high-status members' (i.e., those with prior task experience) attenuation of this discussion bias.
Participants read applications for an assistant professor position and, in 4-person groups, chose between two candidates. Members who had prior experience working on the personnel selection task were less likely to mention shared information than members without prior task experience. [2]
Where does it occur?
The situations involving gathering of people for a certain reason like meetings, over linking up with friends for a party, for example.
Why do I need to know?
Harmful consequences related to poor decision-making can arise when the group does not have access to unshared information (hidden profiles) in order to make a well-informed decision.
Takeaways: -
Acknowledge the fact that information being shared in the group might be something everyone is already aware of.
References & Studies: -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shared_information_bias
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/009365000027003005
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