Size and Structure of Freely Forming Conversational Groups Robin Dunbar, N. D. C. Duncan and D. Nettle (1995)

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.

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.

Authors

Robin Dunbar, N. D. C. Duncan, and D. Nettle

Paper

• Size and structure of freely forming conversational groups

•  What Is the Optimum Group Size for a Conversation? More than five people and it is not a conversation