Non-conformist participant type

Participants who display individuality when the individual view is considered of less value than that of the group, or established doctrine. They are neither part of the trend or of the establishment. They are unpredictable and reasons for their behaviour are unknown and suspected of being entirely personal. They tend to be unpopular, to have little status and to have competing loyalties and affiliations. They show a marked ability to take the opposite point of view and to be apparently unable to understand or sympathize with concepts or feelings of others.[Advantages]

Can play an important role in stimulating unifying group responses to their idiosyncratic presence. Can perhaps fulfil the function of the random mutation element that is critical for evolution.

[Disadvantages]

Can be seriously distracting and consume an inordinate amount of time.