SOCIOL 41 Lecture Notes - Lecture 19: Arthur Schuster, Groupthink, Group Polarization
Document Summary
A faulty mode of thinking by group members in which their desire to realistically evaluate alternative courses of action is overwhelmed by pressures for unanimity within the group. Once the group becomes concerned about disrupting group consensus, the group members neglect to appraise alternatives critically and to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Once groupthink sets in, the typical result is an ill-considered decision. Members who protect against information that might shatter complacency about the group"s morality and effectiveness. Despite personal doubts, members may share an illusion that unanimity exists in the group. Leaders remain impartial, not announcing a preference for any particular option or plan. Hold a second chance meeting after tentative consensus has been reached. The tendency to advocate more risk following a group discussion. The move away from risk following a group decision. Occurs on issues when members are cautious and group discussion actually causes members to become even more cautious than they were initially.
