According to Kirschner et al (2004) task ownership is related to individual
accountability and positive interdependence. When students are individually
accountable for their work, they will all invest in the group performance. In
addition if they are dependent on each other and support and motivate each
other to reach group goals, this creates positive interdependence. In other
words, individual accountability, positive interdependence, and subsequent
promotive interaction creates a learning environment where participants are
encouraged to work together towards a common goal, contributing more or less
equally towards the completion of the task. The presence of particular roles for
participants in the collaborative learning environment is also a factor contributing
to group cohesion and responsibility (Forsyth, 1999), and in helping to create
individual accountability and positive interdependence.