Size and structure of freely forming conversational groups

R.I.M. Dunbar; N.D.C. Duncan; D. Nettle

doi:10.1007/BF02734136

Size and structure of freely forming conversational groups

R.I.M. Dunbar, N.D.C. Duncan, D. Nettle

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

103 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Data from various settings suggest that there is an upper limit of about four on the number of individuals who can interact in spontaneous conversation. This limit appears to be a consequence of the mechanisms of speech production and detection. There appear to be no differences between men and women in this respect, other than those introduced by women’s lighter voices.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	67–78
Number of pages	12
Journal	Human Nature
Volume	6
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02734136
Publication status	Published - Mar 1995
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Conversation
Group size
Speech detection
Spacing

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10.1007/BF02734136

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title = "Size and structure of freely forming conversational groups",

abstract = "Data from various settings suggest that there is an upper limit of about four on the number of individuals who can interact in spontaneous conversation. This limit appears to be a consequence of the mechanisms of speech production and detection. There appear to be no differences between men and women in this respect, other than those introduced by women{\textquoteright}s lighter voices.",

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author = "R.I.M. Dunbar and N.D.C. Duncan and D. Nettle",

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AU - Nettle, D.

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N2 - Data from various settings suggest that there is an upper limit of about four on the number of individuals who can interact in spontaneous conversation. This limit appears to be a consequence of the mechanisms of speech production and detection. There appear to be no differences between men and women in this respect, other than those introduced by women’s lighter voices.

AB - Data from various settings suggest that there is an upper limit of about four on the number of individuals who can interact in spontaneous conversation. This limit appears to be a consequence of the mechanisms of speech production and detection. There appear to be no differences between men and women in this respect, other than those introduced by women’s lighter voices.

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KW - Group size

KW - Speech detection

KW - Spacing

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Size and structure of freely forming conversational groups

Abstract

Keywords

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