Passage
Twenty-two adults (mean age 49.5) were recruited to participate in a study they were told was to assess beliefs about cancer risk. All participants were in good health; neither they nor any first-degree relatives had been diagnosed with cancer.In the first phase of the study, participants viewed a brief video about the epidemiology and prevalence of cancer in the United States, and then were randomly assigned to one of four groups and asked to estimate the probability that they would develop cancer in their lifetimes. Group 1 consisted of seven study participants who each arrived at their estimates independently and without discussion. Group 2 consisted of seven study participants who were asked to agree on a group estimate after discussion (with unlimited time) . Group 3 contained seven members who were also asked to arrive at a consensus estimate after discussion (with unlimited time) : Six were study participants and the seventh was a confederate who suggested a very low estimate. Group 4 likewise contained seven members: Two were study participants and the other five were confederates who each suggested low estimates. Group 4 members were limited to 5 minutes of discussion and then asked to arrive at individual estimates.For the second phase of the study, four members of Group 1 who arrived at independent estimates of 20% or lower were put into a new group (Group 5) , then were given unlimited time to discuss their initial estimates and arrive at a group estimate (Table 1) .Table 1 Group Composition, Protocol, and Estimate of Developing Cancer in One's Lifetime
S. E. Asch ©1956 American Psychological Association.
-To prevent groupthink in Groups 2, 3, and 4, experimenters could:

Question

Passage
Twenty-two adults (mean age 49.5) were recruited to participate in a study they were told was to assess beliefs about cancer risk. All participants were in good health; neither they nor any first-degree relatives had been diagnosed with cancer.In the first phase of the study, participants viewed a brief video about the epidemiology and prevalence of cancer in the United States, and then were randomly assigned to one of four groups and asked to estimate the probability that they would develop cancer in their lifetimes. Group 1 consisted of seven study participants who each arrived at their estimates independently and without discussion. Group 2 consisted of seven study participants who were asked to agree on a group estimate after discussion (with unlimited time) . Group 3 contained seven members who were also asked to arrive at a consensus estimate after discussion (with unlimited time) : Six were study participants and the seventh was a confederate who suggested a very low estimate. Group 4 likewise contained seven members: Two were study participants and the other five were confederates who each suggested low estimates. Group 4 members were limited to 5 minutes of discussion and then asked to arrive at individual estimates.For the second phase of the study, four members of Group 1 who arrived at independent estimates of 20% or lower were put into a new group (Group 5) , then were given unlimited time to discuss their initial estimates and arrive at a group estimate (Table 1) .Table 1 Group Composition, Protocol, and Estimate of Developing Cancer in One's Lifetime

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecba2d_0cbc_14ed_a3bf_d38fbee350ea_MD0008_00 Groupthink occurs when a group arrives at an incorrect or irrational decision because group members, in an effort to get along and reach consensus, do not critically evaluate all available information. Groupthink is characterized by group harmony and enthusiasm at the expense of rational decision-making. Groupthink often occurs because members do not want to cause discord or thwart progress toward a consensus. Groupthink tends to occur in groups that are highly cohesive and homogenous (group members are very similar), fail to consider alternatives, attempt to make a decision under stressful circumstances, and/or have leaders who are well liked and strongly favor one position. Groups demonstrating groupthink tend to be overly confident in their position or stance and disparaging of opponents and dissenting opinions. Requiring each group member to defend one alternative estimate during discussion would be the best way for experimenters to prevent groupthink because it would compel each group member to participate during discussion (instead of passively agreeing with others) and force the group to listen to alternatives. (Choice B) Rewarding groups that reach a consensus quickly is more likely to cause groupthink than prevent it because the promise of a reward is likely to lead members to suppress their own opinions in favor of going along with the group decision. (Choice C) Team-building activities are more likely to cause groupthink than prevent it because groups that are more cohesive are more likely to sacrifice rational decision-making for group harmony. (Choice D) Requiring group members to agree on a team leader is more likely to cause groupthink than prevent it, because an agreed-upon leader is more likely to encourage the other group members to go with the consensus decision. Educational objective: Groupthink is a phenomenon whereby group members arrive at incorrect or irrational decisions because harmony and consensus are valued above critical analysis of the information. Groupthink is more likely to occur in groups that are cohesive, homogenous, and insulated from outside opinions; have biased leadership; and are experiencing stress.

Passage Twenty-Two Adults (Mean Age 49.5) Were Recruited to Participate in in a Study