Samara´s+Summaries

Brandon Randolph-Seng Mario P. Casa de Calvo Texas Tech University Texas A&M University-Kingsville Tammy Lowery Zacchilli Jacquline L. Cottle Saint Leo University Roger Williams University
 * Shared Cognitions and Shared Theories: **
 * Telling More Than We Can Know by Ourselves? **

SUMMARY

In this text, the authors want to separate the conceptualization between shared cognitions and shared theories. First of all, we have to define what these two processes are: “Shared cognitions can be operationally defined as cognitive functioning shared by a set of group members, while shared theories can be understood as perceptual beliefs shared by a set of group members (e.g., shared norms, values, identities)”. Great opening! Your first sentence immediately tell the reader what the text is about and sets up your summary nicely!

These are the main point raised:

º Process gain may only be possible when the group does not share cognition, even in the event that they share a theory. It means that if the group have the same false idea about the topic, they can come to the same flawed conclusion

º If one member has a correct representation and can then direct the group toward another way of representing the task, then it is possible that process gain can occur.

º It is important to remember that groups are dynamic entities, shifting and changing in response to the task, from which different group outcomes may “emerge”. What must not be lost is the idea that whether a group is better than an individual always depends on the type of task and the processes that occur at the group level.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 10pt;">º However, such an interpretation does not mean that groups cannot be trained to recognize when their decisions are based on socially shared theories, as well as the errors this may create. In addition, it should be recognized that in many cases shared social theories may actually be correct. ==== Great start, Samara! Your sentences are well formed and you seem to have covered the main ideas of the article. I would suggest working on turning your bullet points into more prose style writing so that your summary reads more like a paragraph. I would also suggest trying to simply some of your language to make your points clearer for your reader (the article was pretty dense so I know this might be difficult!). A few small things to clean up, but overall great work! -Kimi ====