After a rather lengthy trial, jurors deliberate about the defendant's guilt or innocence. The first several people talk vehemently about his guilt. Although several people have doubts, they do not express them because they do not want to get in the way of the group process. The defendant is quickly found guilty. What has just happened?

Question

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This scenario demonstrates the phenomenon of groupthink, where a group's decision-making becomes more focused on maintaining group harmony and consensus rather than critically evaluating all available information and perspectives. Members of the jury who have doubts about the defendant's guilt do not express them due to social pressure and the desire to conform to the group's decision. This can lead to a rushed and potentially incorrect verdict.

After a Rather Lengthy Trial, Jurors Deliberate About the Defendant's