Individual vs. Group Grade: An Exercise in Decision Making

Abstract

This paper presents an experiential exercise designed to assess factors involved in decision making, including risk analysis, selfconfidence, self-evaluation, perception, and previous experience. Individuals are given a choice as to whether to keep a grade assigned for individual work, or to try to change their grade by utilizing a group process. Risk is introduced by a lack of knowledge as to the possible identity of other group members. Discussion of the motives and thoughts involved in making this decision provide a valuable training experience.