Participation, information, and control in small groups: An actor-partner interdependence model

Substantive participation during small group discussion is based on the distribution of information resources within groups. However, those with an information advantage may choose not to contribute to the discussion for a variety of reasons. The authors hypothesized that interpersonal control (defined as the ability, desire, and skill to influence what is talked about and by whom during discussion) moderates the relation between information and participation. One's perceived interpersonal control, however, is rela tive to that of his or her colleagues; the amount of control one exerts is related to that exerted by others. Participants, in groups of four, collaborated on a psychological profile task. Results indicate a complex relation among information quantity, interpersonal control, and partners' interpersonal control. Discussion addresses participation in competitive and collaborative group contexts.