1. What is “groupthink” and how does it influence group decision-making?
Answer:
Groupthink refers to a psychological phenomenon where group members prioritize consensus and harmony over critical thinking, leading to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. This occurs when the desire for group cohesion suppresses dissenting opinions, and individual members fail to raise objections or provide alternative solutions. Groupthink often leads to poor outcomes, as decisions are made without fully evaluating the risks or considering alternative perspectives. Factors contributing to groupthink include a high level of group cohesion, directive leadership, and a lack of openness to outside information.
2. How does “social loafing” impact group productivity and individual performance?
Answer:
Social loafing refers to the tendency of individuals to exert less effort when working in a group compared to when working alone. It occurs because people feel less accountable for the group’s performance, believing others will carry the workload. This phenomenon can negatively impact group productivity, as the lack of individual effort may reduce the overall performance and output of the group. Social loafing is more common in large groups, where individual contributions are harder to identify, and it can be reduced through clear task delegation, smaller group sizes, and fostering individual accountability.
3. Explain the concept of “group polarization” and its effects on group decision-making.
Answer:
Group polarization refers to the tendency for group discussions to lead to decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclinations of individual members. During group discussions, individuals often express their views more confidently and may adopt more extreme stances, resulting in more risky or conservative group decisions, depending on the initial leanings of the members. This happens because group members influence each other by sharing arguments that reinforce their beliefs. Group polarization can affect both opinions and behaviors, especially in contexts like political discussions, jury deliberations, or risk-related decisions.
4. What role does “leadership style” play in shaping group behavior and decision-making?
Answer:
Leadership style significantly influences group behavior and decision-making processes. Autocratic leadership tends to stifle creativity and critical thinking, often leading to groupthink, as the leader’s opinion dominates. In contrast, democratic leadership encourages open dialogue, collaboration, and the consideration of diverse opinions, which can improve the quality of decision-making. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate group members, fostering innovation and strong group cohesion. The leadership style adopted in a group can either promote healthy decision-making or contribute to poor group dynamics, depending on how it influences group interactions and encourages (or discourages) dissent.
5. How does “the bystander effect” influence group behavior in emergency situations?
Answer:
The bystander effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help in an emergency situation when other people are present. The presence of others creates a diffusion of responsibility, where people assume someone else will intervene. This phenomenon is driven by a combination of factors, including social influence (following the crowd), fear of judgment, and the belief that others are better suited to handle the situation. The bystander effect is less likely to occur when there is a clear leader or when individuals feel personally responsible for the outcome.
6. What are the psychological factors that contribute to “conformity” in group settings?
Answer:
Conformity is the tendency to align one’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors with those of others in a group. Psychological factors contributing to conformity include:
- Normative influence: The desire to fit in and be accepted by the group. People conform to avoid social rejection.
- Informational influence: When individuals look to others for guidance in uncertain situations, assuming that others have more accurate information.
- Cultural factors: In cultures that value collectivism and social harmony, conformity is more likely to occur.
- Group size and unanimity: Larger groups and unanimous opinions increase pressure to conform.
7. How do “social norms” affect group behavior and decision-making?
Answer:
Social norms are unwritten rules that govern behavior in groups or societies. These norms guide individuals on how to behave in specific situations and help maintain order within groups. In group decision-making, social norms can either facilitate or hinder effective outcomes. For instance, norms that encourage cooperation and respect for diverse opinions can lead to more thoughtful, collaborative decisions. Conversely, norms that discourage dissent or prioritize group cohesion over critical thinking can lead to poor decision-making, such as groupthink. Understanding social norms is essential for understanding how individuals behave and make decisions in group settings.
8. What is the “illusion of unanimity” and how does it impact decision-making in groups?
Answer:
The illusion of unanimity occurs when group members believe that everyone agrees with the group’s decision, even if dissenting opinions exist. This illusion is often perpetuated by social pressure or a lack of open communication, where individuals remain silent instead of voicing their disagreements. The illusion of unanimity can lead to poor decision-making, as group members assume that no further discussion or analysis is needed, even when critical perspectives are overlooked. It is an important aspect of groupthink and can result in decisions that are not thoroughly vetted.
9. How does “cognitive dissonance” influence decision-making within groups?
Answer:
Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals experience discomfort due to conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. In a group setting, cognitive dissonance can influence decision-making by causing group members to either change their opinions or justify their actions to reduce the discomfort. For instance, if a group makes a poor decision, members may try to justify it by focusing on the positive aspects or dismissing negative feedback to align their beliefs with the group’s actions. This process can hinder critical evaluation and prevent the group from making better-informed decisions.
10. What is “social identity theory” and how does it affect group dynamics?
Answer:
Social identity theory posits that individuals derive part of their identity and self-esteem from the groups to which they belong. This theory helps explain in-group favoritism, where group members are more likely to support and favor those within their own group. It can also lead to out-group discrimination, where individuals view those not in their group negatively. In group settings, social identity theory can strengthen group cohesion but also fuel intergroup conflicts. Group members may become more polarized in their opinions and behavior, prioritizing the group’s interests over those of individuals or other groups.
11. What is the impact of “social facilitation” on individual performance in a group?
Answer:
Social facilitation refers to the phenomenon where the presence of others enhances an individual’s performance on simple or well-practiced tasks. The presence of an audience or group members can increase arousal, which improves performance in tasks that require skill or are easy for the individual. However, social facilitation can have a negative effect on complex or unfamiliar tasks, as the increased pressure may cause anxiety and hinder performance. The key to social facilitation is the nature of the task—simple tasks tend to benefit, while complex tasks may suffer.
12. How does “group cohesion” influence decision-making and behavior in groups?
Answer:
Group cohesion refers to the strength of the bonds that tie group members together. High cohesion can lead to positive outcomes such as increased cooperation, mutual support, and effective communication. However, in decision-making, high cohesion can also have negative effects, such as groupthink, where members prioritize group harmony over critical analysis. In cohesive groups, there may be pressure to conform to group opinions, suppressing dissenting voices. Balancing group cohesion with critical thinking and open dialogue is crucial for effective decision-making.
13. How does the concept of “authority” impact group behavior and individual decision-making?
Answer:
Authority refers to the influence or power that an individual or institution has within a group. The presence of authority figures can greatly affect group behavior and decision-making. In some cases, authority figures may guide the group toward rational and well-considered decisions. However, excessive reliance on authority can lead to submissiveness, where group members fail to voice their concerns or question the decisions being made. In extreme cases, authority can also encourage obedience, even when the group’s actions may be unethical or harmful, as demonstrated by the famous Milgram obedience experiment.
14. Explain how “conflict resolution” strategies can improve group decision-making.
Answer:
Conflict resolution strategies are essential for maintaining healthy group dynamics and improving decision-making. Effective conflict resolution encourages open dialogue, active listening, and the consideration of diverse viewpoints. Strategies such as negotiation, mediation, and compromise can help groups find common ground when disagreements arise. By addressing conflicts constructively, groups can prevent issues like groupthink or polarization and arrive at decisions that are more thoughtful, inclusive, and reflective of the group’s collective wisdom.
15. What is “normative social influence” and how does it affect decision-making?
Answer:
Normative social influence is the tendency to conform to the expectations of a group to gain acceptance or avoid rejection. This influence plays a significant role in group decision-making, as individuals may conform to the majority opinion, even if they privately disagree, in order to maintain social harmony. Normative social influence can result in conformity and prevent members from voicing alternative ideas, potentially leading to poor decision-making. Groups that emphasize open communication and allow for dissenting views can mitigate the negative effects of normative influence.
16. How do “group norms” influence individual behavior in a group?
Answer:
Group norms are the implicit or explicit rules that govern behavior within a group. These norms can influence individual behavior by setting expectations for how members should act, communicate, and make decisions. People often conform to these norms to fit in and be accepted by the group. Norms can be positive, such as promoting cooperation and respect, or negative, such as fostering groupthink or intolerance toward out-group members. Strong, positive group norms can improve decision-making and cohesion, while unhealthy norms can lead to dysfunctional group dynamics.
17. What is the role of “communication” in effective group decision-making?
Answer:
Effective communication is essential for successful group decision-making. Open, transparent, and respectful communication allows group members to express their ideas, share information, and provide feedback. Poor communication, on the other hand, can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and unconsidered decisions. Groups that foster good communication are more likely to make informed, balanced decisions, as members can voice concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and collectively solve problems. Communication is also vital for managing conflicts and ensuring that all members feel heard and respected.
18. How does “deindividuation” influence group behavior and decision-making?
Answer:
Deindividuation is a psychological state in which individuals in a group lose their sense of personal identity and become more likely to engage in behaviors they would not typically perform alone. This phenomenon is often accompanied by reduced accountability, as individuals feel anonymous within the group. Deindividuation can lead to impulsive, irrational, or aggressive behaviors, as people are less concerned about social norms and personal consequences. In group decision-making, deindividuation can contribute to risky or unethical decisions, as individuals may prioritize group goals over moral considerations.
19. How does “the role of power” impact behavior in a group setting?
Answer:
Power dynamics within a group can significantly affect behavior and decision-making. Individuals or subgroups with more power often dominate discussions and decisions, potentially marginalizing less powerful members. This imbalance can lead to unequal contributions, with powerful individuals imposing their opinions on the group. Power can also influence group cohesion, where members may feel pressure to align with those in positions of power. Positive leadership and a focus on equality within the group can help balance power and encourage more democratic decision-making.
20. What is “intergroup conflict” and how does it affect group dynamics?
Answer:
Intergroup conflict refers to disagreements or tensions between different groups within a larger organization or society. It can stem from competition, differences in values, or conflicting goals. Intergroup conflict can disrupt group dynamics by increasing polarization and hindering cooperation between groups. It can lead to negative behaviors such as prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. Effective conflict resolution strategies, such as promoting intergroup dialogue, understanding, and collaboration, are essential for reducing the negative effects of intergroup conflict and improving group cohesion.
These questions and answers provide comprehensive insights into how group behavior and decision-making work from a psychological perspective.
