Question 1

Which of the following trends is the risky shift phenomenon most closely associated with

Accepted Answer

The risky shift phenomenon is closely associated with group polarization, which is the tendency for group discussions to amplify the initial attitudes of group members in the same direction, either towards greater risk or caution. In the context of the risky shift, group members may become more extreme or adventurous in their decision-making when surrounded by like-minded individuals, which can lead to riskier group decisions. Groupthink, group conformity, and group cohesiveness can also influence decision-making in groups, but they are not as closely associated with the risky shift phenomenon.

Question 2

Simone just joined a political organization and she has noticed that the members don't seem to question any of the organization's policies.It seems as if they are more concerned with being in agreement than with thinking carefully about what the best decision is.Which trend does this example illustrate

Accepted Answer

The example given illustrates groupthink, which occurs when members of a group prioritize the desire for consensus and agreement over critical thinking and evaluation of all available options. This often leads to irrational or flawed decision-making. In this scenario, Simone notes that members of the political organization do not question policies and seem more concerned with agreement than thoughtful deliberation, which are both signs of groupthink.

Question 3

Trevor is working in a social neuroscience lab and is studying stereotypes and prejudice.Which study is he likely to be engaged in

Accepted Answer

Trevor is studying stereotypes and prejudice, which are related to implicit attitudes. Using fMRI to determine whether the amygdala is involved in implicit attitudes would be relevant to his research. Option B is not related to his research topic, option C is more related to studying emotional processing than stereotypes and prejudice, and option D is not a research study but a survey of researchers' attitudes.

Question 4

In which situation is it most likely that a decision will be made to spend more money than budget guidelines suggest to hire "great entertainment" for an end-of-the-year banquet for an organization

Accepted Answer

Group decisions can lead to riskier choices due to group dynamics and the desire to reach a consensus, especially if members are already inclined towards hiring great entertainment.

Question 5

Which term is defined as a reduction in effort by individuals when they work in groups as compared to when they work by themselves

Accepted Answer

Social loafing is the term used to describe the reduction in effort by individuals when they work in groups as compared to when they work by themselves. Group conformity refers to the tendency of individuals to conform to group norms and values. Group polarization refers to the tendency for groups to make more extreme decisions than individuals would make alone. The bystander effect is the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to intervene in an emergency situation when others are present.

Question 6

What is predicted by research on the bystander effect about the probability of receiving needed help

Accepted Answer

Research on the bystander effect has shown that as the number of bystanders or group size increases, the likelihood of receiving needed help decreases. This is because in larger groups, individuals may feel less personal responsibility to help and may assume that someone else will intervene.

Question 7

What is most likely to be a factor that contributes to group polarization

Accepted Answer

Conformity, or the tendency to go along with the beliefs and attitudes of a group, is a key factor in group polarization. As individuals interact within a group, they often become more extreme in their views or opinions as they seek to conform to the group's values and norms. This can result in a "polarization" of ideas and attitudes within the group.

Question 8

The results of research concerning conformity,obedience,and the bystander effect illustrate a unifying theme in psychology.According to this theme which of the following should psychology do,in attempting to understand behaviour

Accepted Answer

The unifying theme in psychology is that behavior can be understood through empirical research, meaning that it should be based on observation and measurement. Therefore, the best choice is B, as it highlights the importance of empirical methods in understanding behavior. Choice A, reflecting sociohistorical context, may be important in shaping behavior, but it is not a unifying theme in psychology. Choice C, subjective analysis, is not reliable as it is based on personal opinions and biases. Choice D, theoretical diversity, may be relevant in different areas of psychology, but it is not a unifying theme in understanding behavior.

Question 9

What does the bystander effect refer to

Accepted Answer

The bystander effect refers to the tendency for people to be less likely to provide needed help when they are in groups. This is because individuals in a group often assume that someone else will take responsibility for helping, leading to a diffusion of responsibility.

Question 10

Which of the following is a factor that enhances social loafing

Accepted Answer

Social loafing is more likely to occur in larger groups because individuals may feel that their contributions are less noticeable, and therefore, less important. In smaller groups, individuals are more likely to feel accountable for their actions and may feel compelled to contribute more to the group. Therefore, a larger group size would enhance social loafing.

Question 11

What occurs when members of a cohesive group emphasize concurrence or agreement at the expense of critical thinking in arriving at a decision

Accepted Answer

This is a classic characteristic of groupthink, where the pressure to conform and maintain group harmony overrides individual critical thinking and leads to poor decision-making.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a necessary component for defining a group

Accepted Answer

Cohesiveness is not a necessary component for defining a group, although it can contribute to group effectiveness. The other three components - interdependence, two or more individuals, and interaction - are essential for defining a group.

Question 13

Which statement does NOT accurately describe prejudice and stereotypes

Accepted Answer

The statement "Stereotypes and prejudice often persist because person perception is objective" is not accurate. Person perception is subjective, meaning it is influenced by personal biases and experiences. Stereotypes and prejudice can persist because of subjective person perception, but not because it is objective.

Question 14

What often results in individuals in large groups being less productive than individuals in small groups

Accepted Answer

In large groups, there is often reduced efficiency and effort due to coordination and communication issues, as well as social loafing where individuals feel less accountable for their contributions. This can lead to lower productivity compared to small groups where there is greater accountability and coordination. Cognitive dissonance, bystander effects, and group polarization may also occur in large groups, but they do not necessarily always result in reduced productivity.

Question 15

A group of six university students observe a fellow student stumble and fall down a flight of stairs.No one goes to check if the student needs help.Which statement best illustrates this diffusion of responsibility

Accepted Answer

The statement "I thought someone else would help" clearly illustrates the diffusion of responsibility. This phenomenon occurs when individuals assume that someone else will take responsibility for a situation, resulting in a lack of action on the part of everyone involved.

Question 16

Group discussion strengthens a group's dominant point of view and produces a shift toward a more extreme decision in that direction.What is this trend called

Accepted Answer

Group polarization is the trend where group discussion strengthens a group's dominant point of view and produces a shift toward a more extreme decision in that direction. This happens because people tend to be influenced by the opinions and perspectives of others in the group, and as they hear more arguments in favor of one particular viewpoint, they become more convinced that it is the correct one. Group polarization can lead to more extreme decisions than individuals might make on their own, and can also reinforce existing biases and prejudices within the group.

Question 17

If Maurice has a prejudice involving a group of people,which statement would be most accurate

Accepted Answer

Prejudice often stems from stereotypes, which are oversimplified generalizations about a group of people. Therefore, if Maurice has a prejudice involving a group of people, it is likely that he has a stereotype involving that group. Choices A and B are not necessarily accurate as Maurice may still discriminate against the group even if he has not had direct contact with them. Choice C is possible but not necessarily accurate as Maurice may have had negative experiences with individuals from that group that have reinforced his prejudice.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT one of the primary features of a group

Accepted Answer

Eligibility requirements are not one of the primary features of a group. The other options are all essential components of a group.

Question 19

Philippe is a subject in an experiment designed to imitate cheering at an athletic event and is asked to make as much noise as he can by cheering and clapping.In which situation would Philippe likely make the least noise

Accepted Answer

Social loafing is a phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone. In situation C, where Philippe is in a group of people all making noise, he is likely to make the least noise due to social loafing, as his individual effort is less noticeable.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a factor associated with an increased tendency of a group to develop groupthink

Accepted Answer

A weak leader who can be easily influenced by others would actually decrease the tendency towards groupthink, as there would be more diverse opinions and less pressure towards conformity. Cohesion, time pressure, and isolation are all factors that increase the likelihood of groupthink.

Quiz 13: B: Social Behaviour