Final answer:
Josh may have experienced a different level of candidness in a group setting, which might have been less effective for personal storytelling. Group dynamics can introduce conformity pressure, limiting honesty, but can also provide valuable collective insight.
Step-by-step explanation:
Listening to an excerpt from StoryCorps with Josh and his mom might suggest that a similar sense of candidness and comfort could have been experienced by Josh in a group setting. However, the dynamic of a conversation can change significantly in a group environment, which might make it less effective for intimate, personal storytelling. A group could introduce a pressure to conform, as illustrated by psychologist Solomon Asch, which might restrain a person from sharing authentic thoughts and stories.
In a group setting, individuals might mirror the group's sentiment, especially if they have had previous experiences that teach them what is expected or acceptable, as shown in the case study about focus groups with underserved individuals.
This could limit the range of responses and prevent the emergence of more novel ideas or honest feedback. Additionally, within a group, the access to personal, nuanced conversation as seen in one-on-one interviews like those conducted by StoryCorps is likely reduced, potentially obscuring the richness and depth of personal experiences.
On the other hand, a group setting can offer a platform for a collective voice and shared experiences, which might also be beneficial and lead to different, yet valuable insights. Nonetheless, for deeply personal and reflective conversations, a one-on-one setting, where a sense of trust and rapport can be more easily established, is typically more conducive to eliciting full and frank discourse.