Questions and Answers
What is Group Polarization?
What is the risky shift phenomenon?
Group and individual decisions tend to be riskier after group discussion.
Group discussion always leads to riskier decision-making.
False
What does the Group Polarization Hypothesis predict?
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Five examples of polarization in everyday life include: college, communities, politics, internet, and ______.
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Match the examples of polarization with their contexts:
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What are the two types of influences identified in group polarization?
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What does normative influence relate to?
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What does social comparison involve?
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Pluralistic influence creates an accurate impression of others' thoughts.
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What effect does discussion have on dominant points of view in a group?
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Study Notes
Group Polarization
- Group polarization refers to the phenomenon where group discussions amplify members' pre-existing opinions and tendencies.
- Instead of creating divisions, groups amplify the average views, leading to a more unified stance.
Risky Shift Phenomenon
- Both group and individual decision-making are often riskier following group discussions.
- Example: Teenagers are more likely to make risky choices together than alone, regardless of whether the decision impacts the group or individuals.
Decision Variations
- Group discussions can intensify members' initial attitudes, potentially leading to either riskier or more cautious behavior.
- The nature of the outcome (riskier or less risky) depends on the group's initial inclinations.
Group Polarization Hypothesis
- The hypothesis posits that discussions within a group will bolster shared attitudes among its members.
Everyday Examples of Polarization
- Polarization manifests in various settings, including:
- College environments.
- Community dynamics.
- Political arenas.
- Online interactions.
- Terrorist organizations.
Polarization in College
- Distinctions between hard-working students and party-oriented peers tend to widen over time due to group polarization.
Polarization in Communities
- Individuals often self-segregate, choosing to reside in communities with like-minded individuals.
Polarization in Politics
- Political polarization results in significant divides, as observed in the current U.S. context, often causing legislative gridlock.
Polarization on the Internet
- Online behavior tends toward selective exposure to similar viewpoints, leading to isolation from differing opinions.
- Existing divides are exacerbated by the reinforcement of pre-existing ideas without the introduction of novel perspectives.
Polarization in Terrorist Organizations
- Terrorism can emerge from shared grievances, leading to increased extremity as groups reinforce their views while avoiding moderating influences.
Theories of Group Polarization
- Informational influence can strengthen opinions through shared knowledge and active participation in discussions.
- Normative influence stems from the desire for social acceptance, leading individuals to align their views more closely with those of their peers.
Informational Influence
- Central route processing enhances opinions by pooling shared knowledge.
- Active participation in discussions reinforces opinions, while mere contemplation can solidify views.
- Verbal commitments made during group discussions amplify the impact of these opinions.
Normative Influence
- Social comparison leads individuals to shape their opinions to fit in and gain approval from their reference groups.
- Discovering shared views within a group can lead to the expression of stronger opinions.
Social Comparison
- Individuals evaluate their beliefs and abilities through comparison with others, influencing trends in societal preferences such as music and media.
Pluralistic Influence
- A common misconception about what others think or feel, often leading to misaligned beliefs within the group.
Social Comparison Theory
- Experiments indicate that individuals adjust their views to align with perceived societal norms, even without direct discussions or debates.
Reasons for Intensity in Group Polarization
- Dominant perspectives are bolstered through discussion, whether they are risk-oriented or cautious.
- Group interactions serve to heighten emotional investment in opinions.
- Members may amplify positions without moderate influence, driving further polarization.
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Description
Explore key concepts from Chapter 8 on group polarization through flashcards. This quiz covers important terms such as 'Group Polarization' and the 'Risky Shift Phenomenon,' highlighting how group dynamics influence decision-making and opinions. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of group behaviors.
