The Use of Cognitive Mapping in Eliciting and Evaluating Group Cognitions

To authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.2010.00618.x Byline: Petru Lucian Curseu (1), Rene Schalk (*), Sandra Schruijer ([dagger]) Abstract: A holistic method for eliciting and evaluating group cognition was introduced and tested. In the study, 359 undergraduate students were assigned to 72 groups, consisting of 4 to 6 members who worked on research projects lasting for 14 weeks. In order to evaluate the way groups represent the specific knowledge related to their tasks, we used a conceptual mapping technique. Conceptual mapping proved to be a fruitful way to understand the way groups represent their knowledge. The conceptual maps were stable in time and had explanatory power for groups' performance. Author Affiliation: (*)Department of Organisation StudiesTilburg UniversityTilburg, The Netherlands ([dagger])Utrecht School of GovernanceUtrecht UniversityUtrecht, The Netherlands Article note: (1) Petru Lucian Curseu, Department of Organisation Studies, Tilburg University, Room S161, Warandelaan 2, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands. E-mail: P.L.Curseu@uvt.nl