A54. Hayne,
S. & Rice, R. E. (1997). Attribution accuracy when using anonymity
in
group support systems. International Journal of Human Computer
Studies,
47,
429-452.
This study explores the taken-for-granted assumption that
"anonymous"
comments posted on a group support system (GSS) are socially as
well as technically anonymous. It analyzes the accuracy of, and
influences on, attributions of authors’ identities in seven field
groups
with considerable work history after they used the system to enter
technically
anonymous comments about salient topics during a brainstorming session.
GSS participants made attributions about authors’ identities, but
overall
these attributions were about 12% accurate (ranging from 1 to 29%). The
expected predictors of accuracy (an individual’s total communications
with
the group, network centrality, and length of membership in the group)
were
inconsistent influences across the seven groups.
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