MIT System Dynamics Seminar: An empirically grounded theory of tasks using high-throughput experiment design

Please visit the MIT System Dynamics Seminars page for more information.

You are invited to attend the System Dynamics Seminar Series being held on Monday, March 22^nd from 9:00-10:30 am EST via Zoom. Our guest speaker will be Abdullah Almaatouq (MIT Sloan) presenting An empirically grounded theory of tasks using a high-throughput experiment design (see attached announcement; abstract and brief bio below).

Abstract:  Are two heads better than one, or do too many cooks spoil the broth? Although researchers have generated a large number of nuanced answers to this question, they have had little success specifying the range of conditions for which a given answer applies. I argue that one of the keys to solving the puzzle is to better understand the underlying nature of the tasks being performed. Because no clear language exists to describe tasks in a way that allows for straightforward comparisons across studies, the role of task characteristics remains poorly understood. I will present an idea for developing a comprehensive, empirically grounded theory of group tasks using a high-throughput, adaptive experiment design.

Brief Bio:  Abdullah Almaatouq is an Assistant Professor of Information Technology at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His research centers on questions related to whether and, if so, under what conditions group-based decision systems exhibit superior performance outcomes relative to individuals. Abdullah holds dual MSs and a Ph.D. from MIT and a BSc from the University of Southampton.