Interdependence and group problem-solving in the triad.

Twenty male triads participated in a cooperative task in which the type and patterns of dependency were varied systematically. 10 triads were in the bi-dependent condition where each S's performance maximally depended on the behavior and information supplied by his two co-workers; 10 triads were in the uni-dependent condition where performance depended on joint behavior by oneself and one co-worker as well as personal information from the other remaining team-mate. In each condition, two five-minute trials ended in inevitable failure. Hypotheses concerning the effects of dependency structure on individual and group behavior were supported: Dependency patterns were perceived correctly, communications were directed by dependency, bi-dependent as contrasted with uni-dependent triads communicated more, engaged in less task behavioral activities, experienced greater conflict and were less likely to blame a specific other person for the group's failure. Hypotheses concerning leadership development were not supported. Implications for studying dependency patterns among subgroups of individuals are considered. (Author)