What sort of group dynamic may have led officials at NASA to ignore warnings and launch the space shuttle Challenger, which exploded shortly after takeoff?
A) reliance on reference groups
B) groupthink
C) peer pressure
D) social influence
E) group cohesion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The group dynamic that led officials at NASA to ignore warnings and launch the space shuttle Challenger was groupthink, which occurs when a group’s desire for consensus and harmony overrides their ability to critically evaluate information or alternative courses of action. In this case, NASA officials were under significant pressure to launch the Challenger on schedule and may have disregarded warning signs or dissenting opinions in order to maintain group cohesion and avoid conflict.

What Sort of Group Dynamic May Have Led Officials at NASA