Friends as Coworkers: Research Review and Classroom Implications

Most evidence from 13 studies we examined suggests that collaboration between friends supports cognitive performance. Superior performance has been demonstrated on a variety of tasks including seeking scarce resources, problem solving, creative activity, and reaching consensus in discussion. Based mostly on observations in 2-person settings, current studies demonstrate the benefits that can occur when friends, as compared with nonfriends, are co-workers on cognitive tasks. Teachers must frequently base organizational decisions in the classroom on competing options but should consider giving friends the opportunity to work together as often as possible.