Automatic mediation in group problem solving

Conflicts over allocation of speaking time often occur in both formal and informal conferencing. In a problem solving experiment, an automatic mediator resolved conflicting requests during telephone conferencing. It combined inputs signaling intention to speak, using preprogrammed rules that then selected the new speaker. Teams of four undergraduate students repeatedly called upon the mechanism to resolve conflicting requests. Participant and mechanism behavior were recorded for later evaluation by a protocol analysis program that checked data strings for correct syntax, simulated behavior of alternative resolution rules, and aggregated group and individual data for processing with a statistical package. This approach to group experimentation yields significant methodological advantages in terms of verification of correct experiment administration, reduction in experimenter effects, and promotion of self-direction by participants.