Question 1

Three students form a study group for their social psychology course. Which of the following possibilities would be the best indication than the group is experiencing biased sampling?

Accepted Answer

Biased sampling occurs when a group focuses on shared information rather than unique information that individual members bring, leading to a limited perspective.

Question 2

In which of the following situations is group polarization least likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Group polarization is least likely to occur when a group discusses both sides of an issue, as in option C, where the committee considers both advantages and disadvantages. This balanced discussion can prevent the group from shifting towards a more extreme position.

Question 3

Computerized group support systems help to minimize the potential for groupthink by

Accepted Answer

Computerized group support systems allow group members to raise concerns anonymously, which minimizes the potential for groupthink. This anonymity encourages members to express their opinions without fear of retribution or judgment from other group members. As a result, a broader range of perspectives can be considered, leading to better decision-making outcomes. The other choices do not address groupthink or may even increase it (such as increasing the power of the leader or increasing group cohesiveness).

Question 4

Hendrika owns a small aerospace company and wants to make sure that she recognizes the signs of groupthink if it crops up in her group meetings. She should be especially concerned that groupthink may be occurring if the group exhibits

Accepted Answer

Closed-mindedness is a key characteristic of groupthink, where group members suppress their own opinions and dissenting views in order to maintain harmony and consensus within the group. Coalition formation (A) and social loafing (B) are not necessarily indicators of groupthink, while divergent thinking (C) is actually the opposite of groupthink, as it involves generating a wide range of creative and diverse ideas.

Question 5

A group is likely to optimize its potential performance when

Accepted Answer

Dividing tasks into subtasks and assigning them to individual members allows for specialization and efficiency. By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, group members can focus on their strengths and contribute to the group's overall success. This approach also allows for easier monitoring and assessment of progress, which can help the group adjust and improve its performance over time.

Question 6

Groupthink emerges when

Accepted Answer

Groupthink occurs when the need for cohesion in the group takes priority over the desire for accurate information and critical thinking. This can lead to the suppression of dissenting opinions and the illusion of unanimity within the group.

Question 7

Which of the following would be an effective way for a leader to reduce the possibility of groupthink?

Accepted Answer

A leader can reduce the possibility of groupthink by encouraging all group members to voice their opinions before expressing their own opinion. This allows for a more diverse range of ideas to be shared and evaluated, reducing the likelihood of the group agreeing on a flawed solution. Option B of emphasizing a unanimous decision can add pressure to conform to a particular solution and actually increase the likelihood of groupthink. Option C of taking a more directive role can discourage other group members from expressing their opinions, while option D of appointing "mindguards" can also discourage dissenting opinions and create a culture of conformity.

Question 8

Though the new mentoring program doesn't seem to be working very well, Principal McVickers argues that the school should continue to invest in it because they have already committed so many resources to it. This illustrates

Accepted Answer

The principle's argument that the school should continue to invest in a program that isn't working well because of the resources already committed is an example of the escalation effect, also known as the sunk cost fallacy. This occurs when individuals or groups feel obligated to continue investing time or resources into a project, even when the cost outweighs the benefits, because they have already invested so much in it.

Question 9

_______ is referred to as when a group increases its commitment to a failing course of action in order to justify previous investments.

Accepted Answer

The escalation effect, also known as the sunk cost fallacy, refers to the tendency of individuals or groups to continue investing time or resources into a failing course of action because they have already invested so much, rather than cutting their losses and moving on. This behavior occurs because people often feel the need to justify their previous investments by continuing to pursue the same path, even when it is no longer rational.

Question 10

Which of the following historical events is not cited by your book as a potential example of groupthink?

Accepted Answer

The behavior of Nazi concentration camp guards is typically explained by factors such as obedience to authority and dehumanization, rather than groupthink, which involves poor decision-making due to a desire for consensus.

Question 11

Groupthink is more likely to occur

Accepted Answer

Groupthink is more likely to occur in highly cohesive groups where members value harmony and conformity over critical thinking and creative problem-solving. In such groups, members may engage in self-censorship to avoid conflict and maintain group unity, which can lead to a narrowing of perspectives and poor decision-making.

Question 12

Biased sampling is least likely to reduce group effectiveness when group members have _____ experience with each other, and unique information is known by _____.

Accepted Answer

When group members have a lot of experience with each other and unique information is known by more than one group member, they are more likely to share and integrate this information effectively, reducing the impact of biased sampling.

Question 13

John, George, Paul, and Richard are air traffic controllers. They encounter a stressful, anxious situation in which two planes might soon collide. Which of the following conditions would most encourage this group of air traffic controllers to display groupthink when pondering their next step?

Accepted Answer

Groupthink is most likely to occur when the group is cohesive, meaning they are tightly bound together and feel a sense of belonging to the group. When this happens, the desire for group harmony and coherence may override the group's ability to make a rational decision. The other options (A, B, and C) do not necessarily encourage or deter groupthink.

Question 14

An informational social influence explanation for group polarization is ________; a normative explanation for the phenomenon is ________.

Accepted Answer

An informational social influence explanation for group polarization is persuasive-arguments. This refers to the fact that when individuals are exposed to new arguments and information, they may adjust their attitudes in response.
A normative explanation for the phenomenon is social comparison, which is the tendency for people to conform to group norms in order to fit in and be liked.

Question 15

Latasha joined a campus group called "Young Republicans." Which of these outcomes is most consistent with the persuasive-arguments explanation for group polarization?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Latasha joined a campus group called "Young...

Question 16

Four groups-a, b, c, and d-are meeting separately. Each is making an important decision. Below is one quotation overheard from each group's meeting. Based on these quotations, which group seems least likely to fall victim to groupthink?

Accepted Answer

Group C's quote shows a willingness to take the time to make the right decision and avoid rushing to a consensus just to please everyone. This is a sign of a group that values critical thinking and individual input, which are important in avoiding groupthink. In contrast, the quotes from the other groups suggest a reliance on external forces (group A), a resistance to considering all possibilities (group B), and a pressure towards unanimity (group D), which can all contribute to groupthink.

Question 17

Which of the following is a strictly informational social influence explanation for group polarization?

Accepted Answer

Persuasive arguments theory

Question 18

Group polarization may, in part, stem from

Accepted Answer

The answer of Group polarization may, in part, stem from
...

Question 19

The characteristics of groups that contribute to groupthink include all of the following except

Accepted Answer

The answer of The characteristics of groups that contribute to...

Question 20

Based on the social comparison explanation of group polarization, group members' attitudes toward an issue should be most influenced by

Accepted Answer

Group polarization occurs when group members adopt attitudes that are more extreme than their initial attitudes after discussing the issue with like-minded individuals. Social comparison theory suggests that this occurs because individuals in the group compare their opinions to those of others in the group and strive to conform to the norms of the group. Therefore, the attitudes of group members are most influenced by the number of people in the group who share that attitude.

Quiz 8: Group Processes