A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved: Communication Theory, Dilemmas, Conformity, and Bystander Effects

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on communication theory, group discussion, dilemmas, conformity, and the bystander effect.

What did Kurt Lewin's 1940s experiment reveal about changing eating patterns?

Group discussions were more effective than lectures; discussing pros and cons and norms/goals in a face-to-face group led to lasting behavior change.

What is the core claim of communication theory regarding learning?

People learn from one another by discussing issues, gaining a better understanding, and becoming more motivated to live up to mutually agreed terms.

What are dilemmas in an organizational context?

Situations in which those involved are unclear about what is expected; there are pros and cons, and norms may be insufficiently defined.

Who are the reference points mentioned as important in communal discussions?

Friends, neighbors, colleagues, or managers who serve as reference points and influence norms and behavior.

In Lord and colleagues' death penalty study, what were the three experimental conditions?

Open-minded readings presented as an independent lawyer; instructions to consider the opposite result; a control group with no specific instruction.

What effect did the instruction to 'consider the opposite' have in Lord's death penalty study?

It promoted unbiased processing and improved the foundation for participants' viewpoints, regardless of their initial stance.

In Asch's conformity experiment, what percentage of subjects conformed at least once to the wrong majority?

About 75 percent.

How does the presence of a dissenter affect conformity in Asch-like tasks?

Conformity drops by roughly a factor of three when someone in the group holds a different opinion.

What effect does anonymous voting have on conformity in group decisions?

Conformity is reduced to about 12.5 percent (roughly halved).

How does group size relate to conformity beyond three people?

Conformity generally increases with group size but does not intensify much beyond groups of about three; two-person groups show notably lower conformity.

What is the bystander effect?

The more witnesses to a transgression, the less likely anyone is to intervene; helping becomes slower and less likely due to diffusion of responsibility and social influence.

What did Darley and Latané's experiment demonstrate about intervention times as group size grows?

With two to three bystanders, about 50% helped within 45 seconds; with six bystanders, none did within 45 seconds.

What are the three main reasons for bystander passivity described by Darley and Latané?

Diffusion of responsibility in larger groups, social influence (people look to others for cues), and fear of reprisals or making a wrong call (pluralistic ignorance).

What is pluralistic ignorance?

When people misinterpret others' beliefs or actions, leading to inaction because everyone assumes others will act or that the norm is silence.

What organizational remedies help prevent bystander inertia?

Cultures of shared responsibility, whistleblowing mechanisms, safety from reprisals, and encouragement of speaking up and reporting concerns.

What did Greenberg's study on painful organizational decisions compare?

Two factories: one informed staff in person with concrete figures and reasons (higher theft rise); another used a more personal yet visual presentation with an explicit endpoint and Q&A (lower theft rise and better employee satisfaction).

What is the central takeaway of 'A problem shared is a problem halved' in organizational terms?

Open discussion of dilemmas leads to shared insight, greater commitment, and potential radical change; the group often knows more than any single member.

Why is the conclusion phase of a discussion important?

Firm agreements at the end increase commitment and reduce ongoing resistance; giving people a choice and a clear outcome strengthens follow-through.