Attribution accuracy when using anonymity in group support systems

This study explores the taken-for-granted assumption that “anonymous” comments posted on a group support system (GSS) aresociallyas well astechnicallyanonymous. It analyses the accuracy of, and influences on, attributions of authors' identities in seven field groups with considerable work history after they used the system to enter technically anonymous comments about salient topics during a brainstorming session. GSS participants made attributions about authors' identities, but overall these attributions were about 12% accurate (ranging from 1 to 29%). The expected predictors of accuracy (an individual's total communication with the group, network centrality, and length of membership in the group) were inconsistent influences across the seven groups.