1. Which of the following best defines “groupthink”?
A) The tendency for people to make decisions that are individually beneficial.
B) The collective decision-making process that occurs without individual input.
C) The tendency for group members to seek consensus at the expense of critical thinking.
D) A group decision-making process that encourages debate and discussion.
Answer:
C) The tendency for group members to seek consensus at the expense of critical thinking.
Explanation: Groupthink occurs when the desire for harmony in a group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. Members suppress dissenting viewpoints and avoid raising controversial issues.
2. The phenomenon where individuals in a group exert less effort than when working alone is called:
A) Social loafing
B) Group polarization
C) Cognitive dissonance
D) Deindividuation
Answer:
A) Social loafing
Explanation: Social loafing occurs when people exert less effort in a group setting compared to when they are working individually, often because they feel less personally accountable.
3. Which of the following is NOT a common characteristic of groups involved in group polarization?
A) Group members become more extreme in their views.
B) Discussions lead to more moderate decisions.
C) Risk-taking behaviors can increase.
D) Members tend to shift toward more extreme positions.
Answer:
B) Discussions lead to more moderate decisions.
Explanation: Group polarization refers to the tendency of group members to make more extreme decisions after group discussions, often amplifying their initial viewpoints.
4. What does the term “deindividuation” refer to in group settings?
A) The process of enhancing individual identity within a group.
B) The loss of self-awareness and individual accountability in groups.
C) The development of group norms and expectations.
D) The ability to make decisions based on individual interests.
Answer:
B) The loss of self-awareness and individual accountability in groups.
Explanation: Deindividuation occurs when individuals in a group experience a loss of self-awareness, leading to behavior that might not align with their usual norms.
5. According to the social identity theory, individuals identify with groups to:
A) Maintain individual autonomy and freedom.
B) Enhance their self-esteem by belonging to a valued group.
C) Avoid social rejection from outsiders.
D) Achieve personal success without relying on others.
Answer:
B) Enhance their self-esteem by belonging to a valued group.
Explanation: Social identity theory posits that people derive part of their self-esteem from the groups to which they belong, enhancing their self-worth by associating with groups that are seen as positive or valuable.
6. Which factor can contribute to the occurrence of groupthink?
A) High diversity of opinions
B) Strong, directive leadership
C) Open and critical discussions
D) A balance of risks and rewards
Answer:
B) Strong, directive leadership
Explanation: Groupthink is more likely to occur when there is a strong, directive leader who pressures the group to reach a consensus, discouraging dissent and critical evaluation.
7. What is the “bystander effect”?
A) A tendency for individuals to help others in group settings.
B) The tendency for people to provide less help when others are present.
C) The inclination to rely on others to make decisions for you.
D) The idea that individuals will help more when they are in a group.
Answer:
B) The tendency for people to provide less help when others are present.
Explanation: The bystander effect suggests that the presence of others discourages people from offering help, often because of the diffusion of responsibility.
8. Which of the following is most likely to occur in a highly cohesive group?
A) Groupthink
B) Cognitive dissonance
C) Social loafing
D) Conformity
Answer:
A) Groupthink
Explanation: Highly cohesive groups are more prone to groupthink, where the desire for consensus can suppress individual opinions and critical thinking, leading to poor decisions.
9. What is a key feature of the “illusion of unanimity” in group decision-making?
A) A belief that all members of the group agree with the decision.
B) A visible disagreement among group members.
C) A situation where the majority opinion is ignored.
D) A situation where dissenting views are openly expressed.
Answer:
A) A belief that all members of the group agree with the decision.
Explanation: The illusion of unanimity occurs when group members believe that everyone is in agreement, often because dissenting opinions are not voiced or are suppressed.
10. The phenomenon where group members become more extreme in their attitudes or decisions after discussion is known as:
A) Social comparison
B) Group polarization
C) Groupthink
D) Social loafing
Answer:
B) Group polarization
Explanation: Group polarization refers to the tendency of groups to make more extreme decisions or adopt more extreme views after discussing them, amplifying their initial positions.
11. Which of the following is an example of “social facilitation”?
A) A person performs better on a task when others are watching.
B) A person performs worse on a task when others are watching.
C) A person tends to loaf when working in a group.
D) A person makes decisions based on group consensus.
Answer:
A) A person performs better on a task when others are watching.
Explanation: Social facilitation refers to the improved performance on simple or well-practiced tasks when others are present and watching.
12. The tendency for people in a group to prioritize group harmony over critical analysis is called:
A) Social facilitation
B) Groupthink
C) Social loafing
D) Normative influence
Answer:
B) Groupthink
Explanation: Groupthink occurs when individuals within a group prioritize agreement and harmony over critical evaluation of ideas, often leading to poor decision-making.
13. Which of the following is most likely to contribute to group polarization?
A) Diverse viewpoints and open debate
B) A highly neutral facilitator
C) Strong initial agreement among members
D) A lack of group cohesion
Answer:
C) Strong initial agreement among members
Explanation: Group polarization is more likely when members already have similar viewpoints, which become more extreme after discussion within the group.
14. In the context of decision-making, “anchoring” refers to:
A) Adjusting your judgment based on new information.
B) Giving too much weight to the first piece of information encountered.
C) Making decisions based on group norms.
D) Avoiding decisions that involve uncertainty.
Answer:
B) Giving too much weight to the first piece of information encountered.
Explanation: Anchoring occurs when the first piece of information (anchor) heavily influences subsequent judgments or decisions, even if the anchor is irrelevant.
15. Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences group decision-making?
A) Group cohesion
B) Decision-making complexity
C) Group size
D) Individual member’s independence
Answer:
D) Individual member’s independence
Explanation: Group decision-making is often influenced by cohesion, the complexity of decisions, and the size of the group, but independence of individual members can sometimes reduce the effectiveness of group decisions.
16. What does the “diffusion of responsibility” mean in group settings?
A) The belief that others in the group will make the decision.
B) The tendency to make decisions quickly without thinking.
C) The shared sense of responsibility among all group members.
D) The desire for group harmony to override individual needs.
Answer:
A) The belief that others in the group will make the decision.
Explanation: Diffusion of responsibility occurs when people in a group assume that others will take responsibility, often leading to inaction in situations where help is needed.
17. Which of the following best describes “normative influence” in group behavior?
A) Conforming to the group because of the desire to be liked and accepted.
B) Conforming because you believe the group’s decision is correct.
C) The tendency to act independently of others.
D) The need to reduce conflict within a group.
Answer:
A) Conforming to the group because of the desire to be liked and accepted.
Explanation: Normative influence refers to conforming to a group’s expectations to be liked or accepted, even if you don’t agree with the group’s decision.
18. Which of the following best describes “social identity theory”?
A) The theory that group members will always act selfishly.
B) The theory that individuals define themselves based on group membership.
C) The theory that groups are always more efficient than individuals.
D) The theory that groups naturally become more diverse over time.
Answer:
B) The theory that individuals define themselves based on group membership.
Explanation: Social identity theory posits that people derive part of their identity from the groups they belong to, influencing their attitudes and behaviors.
19. The phenomenon where individuals become more aggressive in group settings is often explained by:
A) Social loafing
B) Cognitive dissonance
C) Deindividuation
D) Normative influence
Answer:
C) Deindividuation
Explanation: Deindividuation is the loss of self-awareness in group settings, leading to behavior that individuals might not engage in alone, including aggression.
20. Which of the following is a factor that may reduce groupthink in decision-making?
A) Having a dominant leader who makes decisions.
B) Encouraging open discussions and dissent.
C) Minimizing the presence of outside opinions.
D) Pressuring members to conform to the majority opinion.
Answer:
B) Encouraging open discussions and dissent.
Explanation: Encouraging open dialogue, critical thinking, and dissent reduces the likelihood of groupthink by allowing diverse viewpoints to be considered.
