Groupthink Concept Flashcards

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What is GroupThink?

A mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in-group, when the members' striving for unanimity overrides their motivation to realistically appraise alternate courses of action.

List all of the symptoms of GroupThink.

Illusion of invulnerability, belief in the inherent morality of the group, collective rationalization, out-group stereotypes, self-censorship, illusion of unanimity, direct pressure on dissenters, self-appointed mind guards.

What is the illusion of invulnerability?

The attitude of thinking that everything is going to work out all right because we are a special group.

What does belief in the inherent morality of the group mean?

Members automatically assume the 'rightness' of their cause. Signup and view all the answers

What is collective rationalization?

Thinking that the group is right so one doesn't have to pay attention to the consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What are out-group stereotypes in the context of GroupThink?

The perception that out-groups are bad. Signup and view all the answers

What does self-censorship mean?

Censoring yourself or not expressing your opinion as strongly as you could. Signup and view all the answers

Define the illusion of unanimity.

Neglecting information that contradicts the group's thinking. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by direct pressure on dissenters?

Pressuring people to agree with those voicing contrary opinions or points of view. Signup and view all the answers

What are self-appointed mind guards?

Limiting the information that decision makers have by not asking or not reporting dissenting opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are remedies against GroupThink? (Select all that apply)

Discussing within sub-groups and then report back (A), Using a Devil's advocate to question the group's ideas (B), Using a policy-forming group which reports to a larger group (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory of GroupThink?

Mode of thinking that prioritizes reaching and maintaining consensus instead of making the best decision. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three antecedents (causes) of GroupThink?

Cohesiveness, structural aspects of the group, provocative situational context. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by group cohesion?

Members refrain from dissenting in order to have good relationships in the group due to normative social influence. Signup and view all the answers

What are structural aspects of the group?

Organized in a way which prevents good decision making; the leader has most responsibility if the group is not structured well enough. Signup and view all the answers

What does provocative situational context refer to?

Aspects about a group itself that cause poor decision making, such as needing to make decisions quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if a group is homogeneous?

If a group comes from a similar background or experience. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an insulated group?

Isolated from outside opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What is another problem with groups regarding decision making?

Decision making policies lacking. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a leader announces a decision during or before deliberations?

It inhibits open discussion; group members may not go against the leader. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three issues involved in the 'structure' portion of the GroupThink model?

Insulated (isolated), homogeneity, poor decision-making procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of GroupThink?

Illusion of invulnerability, closed-mindedness, pressure toward uniformity, poor decision making. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes poor decision making?

Bias; not examining risk; not looking at alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

Define the illusion of invulnerability.

Belief that nothing can go wrong within the group. Signup and view all the answers

What does the illusion of morality imply?

The self-righteous belief that the virtues of the group are above reproach. Signup and view all the answers

What is stereotyping in the context of GroupThink?

Categorizing others outside the group in ways that see their views as unacceptable. Signup and view all the answers

What does self-censorship involve?

The overt restraint of group members against offering opinions counter to the prevailing thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Groupthink Overview

Groupthink is a way of thinking that occurs in cohesive in-groups, where members prioritize unanimity over realistic evaluations of alternatives.

Symptoms of Groupthink

Illusion of Invulnerability: Confidence in the group's specialness leading to risky decisions.
Belief in the Inherent Morality of the Group: Assumption that the group's actions are morally superior.
Collective Rationalization: Ignoring warnings and contrary information.
Out-group Stereotypes: Viewing outsiders negatively, reinforcing in-group bias.
Self-Censorship: Withholding dissenting opinions to maintain group harmony.
Illusion of Unanimity: Perception that agreement is widespread despite dissenting views.
Direct Pressure on Dissenters: Coercing members who express differing opinions.
Self-Appointed Mind Guards: Protecting the group from dissenting information.

Remedies Against Groupthink

Implement a policy-forming group to feed ideas into the larger group.
Encourage impartiality from leaders during discussions.
Use sub-groups to deliberate before reconvening.
Consult external experts for unbiased perspectives.
Assign a Devil’s Advocate to challenge group conclusions.
Conduct "second-chance meetings" for reconsideration of decisions.
Foster an environment of critical thinking.
Utilize Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to collect anonymous input.

Causes of Groupthink

Cohesiveness: Strong group bonds may suppress dissenting views.
Structural Aspects: Poor organizational frameworks hinder effective decision-making.
Provocative Situational Context: Pressure to make quick decisions under stress.

Group Dynamics

Group Cohesion: Members may suppress dissent to maintain good relationships, reflecting normative social influence.
Structural Issues: Ineffective procedures and over-reliance on leader decisions can lead to poor outcomes.
Homogeneity: Diverse backgrounds lead to multifaceted views; similar backgrounds result in group homogeneity.
Insulation: Groups cut off from outside opinions may stifle dissent.

Effects of Groupthink

Illusion of Invulnerability: Members believe nothing can go wrong, leading to reckless choices.
Closed Mindedness: Resistance to new ideas and critiques.
Pressure Toward Uniformity: Group pressures to conform hinder individual expression.
Poor Decision Making: Biases toward risky moves, failure to assess risks, and neglecting alternatives.

Key Concepts of Poor Decision Making

Biases: Prejudices affecting objectivity.
Lack of Risk Examination: Failing to evaluate potential downsides.
Neglecting Alternatives: Ignoring other viable options can result in suboptimal decisions.

Additional Concepts

Stereotyping: Categorizing out-group members negatively based on their perspectives.
Self-Censorship: Group members refraining from voicing differing thoughts to avoid contention.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the concept of groupthink with these flashcards. Understand its characteristics, such as the illusion of invulnerability and collective rationalization, which affect decision-making processes in cohesive groups.