Dr. mccall found that class projects were of poorer quality when students worked in groups compared to when each student did an individual project. this difference is best explained by the phenomenon of

General
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dr. mccall found that class projects were of poorer quality when students worked in groups compared to when each student did an individual project. this difference is best explained by the phenomenon of

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LectureNotes said Dr. McCall found that class projects were of poorer quality when students worked in groups compared to when each student did an individual project. This difference is best explained by the phenomenon of

Answer:

The difference in the quality of class projects when students work in groups versus individually is best explained by the phenomenon of social loafing.

Social Loafing:

  • Definition: Social loafing is a phenomenon where individuals exert less effort to achieve a goal when they work in a group compared to when they work alone. This reduction in effort can lead to poorer quality outcomes in group projects.
  • Mechanism: In a group setting, individual accountability is often diluted, leading some members to rely on others to carry more of the workload. This can result in less motivation for each member to contribute their best effort.
  • Impact on Quality: As a result, the collective effort might not reach the level achieved when each student is individually responsible for the project’s quality, leading to subpar group project outcomes compared to individual efforts.

Key Points to Consider:

  1. Diffusion of Responsibility: When working in groups, each member may feel less personally responsible for the project’s success, leading to decreased individual contributions.
  2. Lack of Coordination: Group projects can suffer from poor coordination, miscommunication, and varying work styles, impacting the overall quality.
  3. Motivation: Individual projects often drive students to work harder because their own performance and grades are at stake.

By recognizing the social loafing phenomenon, educators can design group work strategies that mitigate this issue by setting clear individual responsibilities, fostering accountability, and encouraging active participation from all members.

Final Answer:
The difference in the quality of class projects when students work in groups compared to individually is best explained by the phenomenon of social loafing.