Models of Collective Problem Solving: Bringing the Individual into Collective Intelligence

Cody Moser

Cognitive and Information Sciences, UC Merced

The field of collective intelligence focuses on how group communication, interaction, and organization shape collective outcomes. Computational models of collective systems have been instrumental in identifying which structures promote optimal group performance. While these models often converge on common theories and principles, they typically do so at an epiphenomenal level, overlooking the causal mechanisms that drive group-level success. A significant challenge in developing a formal theory of collective intelligence lies in accounting for the role of individuals within the group. In this talk, I will discuss ongoing work aimed at addressing this gap, exploring how individual contributions influence group performance and collective problem-solving abilities.