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Description:
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This study examined the effects of communication mode , both face -to -face (FTF ) and computer -mediated communication (CMC ) , and polling on cooperation in a commons dilemma . Sixty -seven six -person groups used FISH , a computer program that uses a fishing metaphor to simulate a commons dilemma . Next , groups had a 10 -minute discussion period , either FTF or via CMC , in which they devised a strategy for the second FISH session . Groups were randomly assigned to one of four conditions : FTF , no -poll CMC , end -poll CMC , and two -poll CMC . The polls allowed members to determine others' intended behavior , thus enhancing perceived consensus . Finally , groups used the FISH program again . Results indicted that experimental condition influenced consensus , with end -poll CMC groups reaching consensus most often , followed by FTF , two -poll CMC , and no -poll CMC groups . However , groups did not differ across experimental condition on resource pool sustainability or group profit . FTF groups were more satisfied with group performance than no -poll CMC groups and two -poll CMC and FTF groups had similar levels of satisfaction . The strategy the group decided to implement in the second FISH session had a significant effect on group profit but not resource pool sustainability . Thus , the harvest strategy implemented by the group may have been a stronger predictor of performance than experimental condition . |