Give an oaf, don't loaf!

So recently in one of my classes, we had to do a group project.  When we found out who our group members were, I felt very lucky because my group members 1) were in my Methods class last year 2) have good writing styles 3) care greatly about their academic success.  I knew I could count on them!

Turns out they were a bunch of social loafers... According to Latane and others (1979), social loafing occurs when people in groups do not produce the same amount or quality of work as they would if they were alone.

When my group members were unsure whether we needed outside sources to talk about the etiology and treatment of certain psychological disorders, I thought they were kidding.  I said, "Of course you do! That's not something you innately know..."

And when their sections did not meet the same quality as I had hoped and expected, I was surprised.  It sounded like they just strung ideas together, regardless of being able to cite evidence or sources.  Even though I was the one that was behind schedule, by the due date I'd say my section was the best written.  And I'm not the only one who thought so.  When we got our evaluations back, my sections did not have any critiques, but their sections were criticized for lack of evidence.

I'm not trying to make myself sound great and like the ultimate writer, I'm just saying that when people work in groups, they should behave as if they are completing the assignment alone.  That way, when you get a group grade, your other partners are not screwed over :)

 

 Latane, B., Williams, K., & Harkins, S. (1979).  Many hands make light the work: The causes and consequences of social loafing.  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 37, 822-832.

Sorry about this blog, especially the title.  I realize that I sound like an arrogant jerk, but don't judge me.  I'm super assignment-ed out.