So says science.
New research from Tufts University indicates that diverse groups perform better than homogenous groups when it comes to decision making and that this is due largely to dramatic differences in the way whites behave in diverse groups–changes that occur even before group members begin to interact.
“Traditional arguments in favor of diversity often focus on ethics, morality and constitutionality,” said Samuel R. Sommers, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology in the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University. “I wanted to look at the observable effects of diversity on performance.”
In a study involving 200 participants on 29 mock juries, panels of whites and blacks performed better than all-white groups by a number of measures. “Such diverse juries deliberated longer, raised more facts about the case, and conducted broader and more wide-ranging deliberations,” said Sommers. “They also made fewer factual errors in discussing evidence and when errors did occur, those errors were more likely to be corrected during the discussion.”
Surprisingly, this difference was primarily due to significant changes in white behavior. Whites on diverse juries cited more case facts, made fewer mistakes in recalling facts and evidence, and pointed out missing evidence more frequently than did those on all-white juries. They were also more amenable to discussing racism when in diverse groups.
OT: Here’s a bit of news that’s somewhat scary for freedom lovers, and probably capable of generating apoplexy among the lefties
Salem Communications is acquiring TownHall.com
I’m not sure I buy I buy all the sociology (it’s my least favorite among the behavioral sciences), but it’s a no – brainer, going back to at least 1954 (when it was called “integration”), that all people benefit from “diversity.”
It’s a basic tenet of human behavior (Ingroups/Outgroups) that social
controls emanate from the concern an individual has for what others
may think of him/her. That is not necessarily an indication that what
is being revealed is the real deal (or core beliefs, opinions and attitudes)
but moderates the tone to harmonize with the group. It DOES however
eventually lead to Real Changes to the individual persona if practiced
over a period of time sufficient to rewire the mainframe.
A behavior practiced for 21 consequitive days, becomes habit.
Irrelevant.
The study in question didn’t compare the behaviors of carefully picked groups like the ones you cite. It compared the behaviors of randomly-chosen cross-sections.
If anyone is “reflecting ideals and beliefs,” it’s you, bub.
consequitive. Wow. CONSECUTIVE
Where is this “bub” coming from? Just curious.
Hmm. We were all high and might here criticizing creative design. Sorry but your ’science’, actually ’social science’ is not much better. It may be true in many instances, but I for one doubt that the chemical and biological properties of a white or black person in some way react scientifically with those of other races so as to consistently to produce measurably superior results. In other words, I would trust the judgment of a reunion group of the Tuskegee Airmen over those of multi-racial Cell block H of Attica. Likewise, I would trust the Israeli cabinet over any of Jim Jones’ congregations. Bet you would too.
Dugger, they are reflecting their ideals and beliefs, not science
Quaker,
Not at all irrelevant. The Science quote is: “New research from Tufts University indicates that diverse groups perform better than homogenous groups ‘ No qualifier as you inserted.
Science, schmience. Bunch of liberal psychologists engaging in self-fulfilling prophecy. One thing to talk about diversity being a desired end; another to assert science proves it.
Dugger
“I for one doubt that the chemical and biological properties of a white or black person in some way react scientifically with those of other races so as to consistently to produce measurably superior results.”
Clearly your brain produces measurably superior results when you stay on your medication. Does this study even remotely suggest that the benefits of diversity are biochemical in nature? Does it even begin to suggest that ANY diverse group can be looked to for sound judgement?
Well, this helps prove the point that when you get diverse people together they talk about race.
“Science, schmience. Bunch of liberal psychologists”
Dugger;
I hope this is your usual liberal baiting defense mechanism and
does not represent your genuine perspective.
There it is.
that’s cause all of us dumb crackers need the wisdom of minorities. It’s no secret that y’all are smarter than us.
Hey, did you hear Cheney got booed off the field at RFK today?
http://movies.crooksandliars.com/0411dv_cheney_pi.mov
And how about that 60% disapproval rating for Bush? And the fact that 63% of people think the administration acted unethically or illegally in the leak deal?
On topic, it’s quite clear that the study is saying that diversity helps improve performance, not that it is the sole determinant of performance, regardless of how the article covering the study may have worded things. It’s also clear that your “counter-argument” really isn’t an argument at all, just a thin reed for you to hang your moronic prejudices against education upon.
Anyway, keep hitting that BDS line. That’s a real winner. Did I mention 60% disapproval yet?
Dugger, I beg to differ. While Oliver’s original post would lead one to believe that the findings had a certitude along the lines of, “There are two atoms of oxygen and one atom of hydrogen in a water molecule,” a certitude the findings do not deserve, it is true that the social sciences are scientific, and often properly employ the scientific method.
Gee, TomY, you should get your own blog… That’s some great stuff you found there. Look out, KOS. Beware, DU!
Oh, yeah… Real classy behavior from the left.
I love how Frank’s call for civility from the left is immediately followed by a post from “Moonbat Monitor.” Thanks, Moonbat, for reminding us that the conservative movement is built on a foundation of disparaging the left as elitist, traitorous, and insane! Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, and all that, right?
“…it is true that the social sciences are scientific, and often properly employ the scientific method.”
Thanks.
With assertions like that, Duggz, who needs an argument? Just let gut level prejudice be your guide! Don’t forget to accuse your opponents of being closed-minded! I’ll try it your way: my genuine perspective is that conservatives hate anything that’s not conservative, and seek to destroy it! Wheee!
Semant,
“I hope this is your usual liberal baiting defense mechanism and
does not represent your genuine perspective. ”
Liberal baiting defense mechanism!!?? Why h*ll, you must be ONE OF THOSE PSYCHO-BABBLING namby pamby shrinks yourself.
My genuine perspective is that many academic disciplines, particularly the ’soft sciences’ have been corrupted to varying degrees by left wing political orthodoxy. Tey aren’t at Lysenko levels, but corrupt.
Dugger, I’m as Sane as All of you are. Well most of you. A few of you. help.
” have been corrupted to varying degrees ”
pity you don’t give the same benefit of the doubt to right wingers
“Frank s call for civility from the left.”
Is that what was?
I thought I was mocking liberals for being so openly hypocritical.
JSA: You’re welcome. Always glad to illuminate.
Semant,
“pity you don t give the same benefit of the doubt to right wingers”
Actually I do. Reco you read True Believer by Hoffer one day. I doubt every True Believer until verified – of any political stripe. You should too. True Believers KNOW Bush lied.
Dugger