Groupthink, transactive memory and gaming

Groupthink refers to the idea that group communication falls apart under pressure. This leads to irrational decision-making and impaired judgment. This concept especially occurs when people are alike, this is a problem since a decision will quickly be accepted by everyone and not thought through or an alternatives considered. In a groupthink-gaming situation, the group comes to a consensus on their gaming tactic, answers, and solutions. Unfortunately, in these settings, pressure is often the reason for rash and often times irrational decisions. However, the groupthink approach uses collaboration to come a decision in order to avoid an argumentation outbreak. For example when playing a group game, certain time guidelines are included in the rules. Answers need to be presented before this the time limit is reached and groupthink approaches coming to an answer by collaborating to come up with a resolution. Often times, however, analysis tactics, and testing is overlooked due to the possibility of conflict arising.

Transactive memory is when members of a group have different expertise and knowledge that they offer to the group when coming to a decision. This idea acknowledges group members as select individuals that can serve as external memory to help their team come to a resolution. Because every individual brings different information to the table, the group benefits from every member expertise. Of course, the group communication improves when every person is aware of one another's specialty. Consequently, in a gaming situation, with a little bit of knowledge collected from every individual, the group is able to piece together a solid answer, resolution, or solution to a problem to ensure a solid win. Because every member of the group recognizes that each member knows something that another doesn't, the group is open to strategies, suggestions, and sharing important information with other teammates during a gaming situation.