A fraternity considered a benefit project to help rebuild a local business that had closed due to a fire. Rico said he wondered if it was a good idea because although the business had helped several students, it was not part of the university. The president of the fraternity spoke up to strongly support the idea, along with several other members. When Rico went to speak again, another member put his finger to his lips to signal Rico not to speak. The benefit idea passed, but after the fraternity did the benefit, it was learned that the business had sold illegal drugs to students, and the fraternity received a reprimand. Which thinking error led to the bad decision?
A) False dilemma
B) Sweeping generalization
C) Groupthink
D) Conjunction fallacy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Groupthink is a thinking error that occurs when a group of people make a bad decision because they value harmony and coherence over accurate analysis and critical evaluation. In this scenario, the fraternity members were so focused on helping the local business, and maintaining a positive image for the university, that they overlooked the fact that the business was involved in illegal activities that could harm students. The member who silenced Rico's concerns also demonstrates a lack of open and honest communication, which is another characteristic of groupthink.

A Fraternity Considered a Benefit Project to Help Rebuild a Local