Relating Personality Traits and Prior Knowledge to Focus Group Process and Outcome: An Exploratory Research
Year: 2003
Type: article
Abstract: In this study, we investigated how each personality traits, described by the Big Five, and the prior knowledge of a group affect the process and outcome of the electronic focus group.On the basis of data from 38 students, who formed 5 electronic focus groups, results indicated that 2 dimensions of personality, Adjustment (r = -0.975)and Agreeableness (r = -0.938),were significantly related to the outcome of group discussions.Another 2 dimensions of personality, Openness (r = 0.935) and Conscientiousness (r = 0.822), were significantly related to the process of group discussions.Prior knowledge on the other hand did not contribute significantly to both the process and outcome of group discussions.These findings suggest that personality may be a more valid predictor in determining group process and outcome than the prior knowledge of the group members in a text-based electronic communication environment.
Authors: Everard Ho, Vichita Vathanophas
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2148385691