Given the following scenario, predict the most likely change in individual effort among the team members compared to if they were working alone. Justify your prediction using a relevant psychological principle related to group work.

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In contrast to typical social loafing, individual effort can increase in a group setting when the task is complex and difficult. This reversal occurs because members feel more motivated and believe their personal input is crucial for the group to succeed on a challenging project.

Reversal of Social Loafing on Complex Tasks

Group Performance on a Challenging Task

A manager assigns two different projects to two separate, equally-sized groups of employees. Group A is tasked with a simple, repetitive job: sorting a large batch of mail. Group B is tasked with a difficult, creative project: designing a new, innovative software feature that requires unique input from each member. Based on established principles of group dynamics, which of the following outcomes is most likely regarding individual effort?

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