group polarization and groupthink

group polarization

process in which a group of people finds a shared opinion that is cohesive and extreme

informational influence on group polarization

group members convince each other of their positions through discussion, active participation and central route persuasion

normative influence on group polarization

group members come to conclusions through need to belong, opinions and pluralistic ignorance

pluralistic ignorance

when individuals privately disagree with a group norm/belief but incorrectly assume they are the only one disagreeing, and therefore go along with it anyway

social comparison theory

groups we align ourselves with define our perceptions of normal/acceptable. relates to normative influence

self categorization theory

offshoot of social identity theory. we belong to a group because it is an offshoot of our identity and are protective of the labels we give ourselves

groupthink

phenomenon where groups become too cohesive and fail to take in outside opinions

causes of groupthink

high cohesiveness, no dissent, structural faults, high pressure environments, recent personal failures

overestimating the group

symptom of groupthink. when the group is perceived as invulnerable, discounting any issues and never questioning group morality

closed mindedness

symptom of groupthink. includes stereotyping outgroups as unintelligent and refusing to hear criticism

group uniformity

symptom of groupthink. includes conformity pressure(shaming/criticism), self censorship, illusion of unanimity, and actively shielding the group from dissenting ideas

conformity pressure

aspect of group uniformity (groupthink) where the group actively enforces cohesion with shaming/criticism

ways to prevent groupthink

• entertain dissent (devils advocate)

• subgroups

• expert critiques

• second chance meetings before coming to a full conclusion

both-sides-ing

poor conclusion of groupthink learning. can lead to entertaining bad perspectives (eg slavery, climate change denial and other fringe theories)

incels

formed around the shared idea of being marginalized/denied sex. believe women are shallow and dont pick partners well. neg ideas about women