GROUP THINK+GROUP POLARISATION+DEINDIVIDUATION

Groupthink

• Way of thinking by individual members of group characterised by strong tendency seek agreement when decision making, thereby overriding any realistic consideration of possible alternative

• Involves shift from best decision to focus on reaching agreement

Conditions: isolated, limited time, value group highly

Symptoms: outgroup stereotypes, vulnerability illusion, illusion of unanimity

Consequences: distorted reality view, bad decisions

Group Polarisation

• Tendency of individual group member following group discussion to shift initially held view to more extreme position

• Group as whole tends respond in more extreme ways than one would expect given the sentiments of individual members prior to discussion  

Conditions: anonymity, shift in focus outwardly

Deindividuation

• Loss of individuality or sense of anonymity that can occur in group situation

• Psychological state believed to be an important factor in explaining extreme behaviour of some ppl in crowds, particularly situation where high levels emotion involved

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