Final answer:
The method not used to prevent social loafing is 'Reduced individual effort,' as it is actually a cause of social loafing. Strategies like individual accountability, group cohesion, and task importance help combat social loafing in group settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method that is not used to prevent social loafing in groups is d. Reduced individual effort. This option actually describes a cause of social loafing, not a prevention strategy. In contrast, a. Individual accountability, b. Group cohesion, and c. Task importance are all effective methods for mitigating social loafing. Individual accountability ensures that each member's contribution can be identified, group cohesion fosters a sense of unity and commitment amongst group members, and emphasizing the importance of the task can motivate individuals to contribute more earnestly to the group's efforts.
Mitigating social loafing is essential in a student work group setting where collaborative effort is expected. Addressing collective action problems such as social loafing can be crucial in academic and professional environments to ensure that group projects are completed efficiently and effectively.