How can diverse memory improve group decision making?
- Hidehito Honda, Department of Psychology, Yasuda Women's University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Itsuki Fujisaki, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Toshihiko Matsuka, Department of Cognitive and Information Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Kazuhiro Ueda, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
AbstractPrevious studies have shown that people can make adaptive inferences based on memory-based simple heuristics such as recognition, fluency, or familiarity heuristic. In the present study, we discussed the adaptive nature of memory-based simple heuristics in a group decision making setting. In particular, we examined how the diversity of memory affected group decision making when group members were assumed to make inferences based on the familiarity heuristic. We predicted that, when the group members’ memories were diverse, group decision making would become more accurate. To examine this prediction, we conducted a behavioral experiment and computer simulations, and our results generally supported the prediction. We discuss the role of diverse memories in generating adaptive group decision making.