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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
06:48
The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
The impact of mixed-anonymity on brainstorming performance: Evidence from field experiments
Theresa Wöllner1, Tim G Schweisfurth2, Alexander Brem1,3
1Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
Plos One
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Mixed-anonymity in nominal brainstorming did not consistently improve idea generation across two experiments. While one study showed increased idea novelty, neither quantity nor user value were significantly affected, challenging existing theories.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Behavior
- Creativity and Innovation Studies
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Structured ideation formats are crucial for organizational competitiveness and idea generation.
- Nominal brainstorming, where individuals generate ideas independently, has yielded mixed results regarding anonymity's impact.
- Anonymity may reduce evaluation apprehension but risk free riding; non-anonymity may increase accountability but also fear of negative evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a novel mixed-anonymity approach on individual idea generation.
- To clarify conflicting findings on anonymity's impact in nominal brainstorming settings.
- To examine whether evaluation apprehension and free riding mediate the effects of anonymity.
Main Methods:
- Two field experiments were conducted: a between-subject design (N=216) and a within-subject design (N=192).
- Participants engaged in nominal brainstorming tasks under anonymous, non-anonymous, or mixed-anonymity conditions.
- Ideation outcomes (quantity, novelty, user value) were measured, alongside evaluation apprehension and free riding.
Main Results:
- The between-subject experiment found no significant differences in idea quantity, novelty, or user value across anonymity conditions.
- The within-subject experiment revealed significantly higher idea novelty under mixed-anonymity compared to anonymous and non-anonymous conditions.
- Neither experiment showed significant effects on idea quantity or user value, and mediators did not explain the observed novelty effect.
Conclusions:
- Mixed-anonymity does not consistently enhance idea generation outcomes across different experimental designs.
- The impact of mixed-anonymity on idea novelty is contingent and not fully explained by evaluation apprehension or free riding.
- This study refines understanding of anonymity's complex role in individual idea generation, suggesting context-dependent effects.
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