Predictions from an information sampling model of group discussion were examined (Stasser & Titus, 1985: (a) Groups are more likely to discuss information if it is held by all members than if it is held by 1 member, and (b) this focus on already shared information increases as group size increases. University students read descriptions of candidates for student body president. These descriptions were constructed so that some information (unshared) was read by 1 member before discussion, whereas other information (shared) was read by all members. Three-and 6-person groups discussed the candidates and decided which was best suited for the position. As predicted, discussions contained, on the average, 46% of the shared but only 18% of the unshared information; this difference was greater for 6-person than for 3-person groups. Moreover, structuring discussions increased the amount of information discussed, but this increase was predominately due to discussion of already shared information.

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