Beyond thought experiments: using generative artificial intelligence to simulate group problem solving and decision making

Madeleine E. Alder, Bryan L. Bonner, Coco Xinyue Liu, Robert Monnot and Xiaoyu Yin

Chapter 19 in Research Handbook on Group Decision Making, 2026, pp 378-390 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Previous work shows that understanding the processes through which groups function requires understanding human behavior at a team level. However, there exist persistent methodological challenges when treating groups, compared to individuals, as the unit of analysis, wherein resources (e.g., sample size, time) needed to draw reliable conclusions grow exponentially with design complexity. In this chapter, we explore simulations using generative artificial intelligence (GAI) as a potential avenue for addressing such challenges. Integrating work on social science research and GAI, we identify criteria that GAI simulations should satisfy. We offer two specific examples of GAI simulated group interactions to highlight their existing limitations.

Keywords: Generative artificial intelligence; Group simulation; Group problem solving; Group decision making; Anthropomorphism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035331239
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781035331246.00024 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:23252_20

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.e-elgar.com

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Jack Sweeney ().