European .humai o/'Psychology of Education 2009. yol. XXIK n-'2. 155^168 © 2009, l.S.P.A. Effects of gender role and task content on performance in same-gender dyads: Transactive memory as a potential mediator Estelle Michinov Nicolas Michinov University of Rennes 2, France Pascal Huguet University of Provence and CNRS, France This experiment was designed to examine the effects of gender role and task content on performance in ¡earning dyads and to test the potential mediator effect of an intragroup process related to transactive memory. A total of 44 same-gender dyads participated in the study and were asked to collaborate on a .stereotypically masculine or feminine task in a laboratory setting. Collective performance and transactive memory were measured. As predicted, the /• e.sults .showed an interaetion between group gender and task content on group performance, with male dyads showing poorer performance on a masculine ta.s'k than female dyads. However, contrary to expectations, this moderation effect was not mediated by transactive memory, which appeared as a simple mediator of the relationship between group gender and performance. The results are discussed in the framework ofthe social role theory, and implications for future research in small learning groups are proposed. In educational settings, dyads and small groups are often used to facilitate learning among students (e.g.. Doise & Mugny, 1984, 1997; Gillies, 2004; Johnson & Johnson, 1995; Slavin, 1995). The growing popularity of team approaches to leaming (and working) has led edueational (and organizational) researchers to investigate the factors and processes underlying group effectiveness. More than 50 years of psychological research into small groups has identified key processes and emergent states that enable group members to combine their knowledge, effort, and skills to improve group performance and effectiveness The authors express their sintere gratitude to the E.A. 31 14 "Psychologie des âges ttc la vie". University ofTours iFrance) for supporting ihis project. They would also like to aeknowledge Ihf students for their participaiion in Ihc data collection for this study.