Group Polarization and Group Think, Essay Example

Groupthink refers to an observable fact in psychology that affects people in groups with respect to their aspirations to achieve conformity as well as harmony of outcomes of decision making (Van & Lyn, 2009). The premise behind groupthink is elimination of conflict and achievement of a consensus in decision making albeit alternative viewpoints are not appraised. The dissenting opinions are commonly suppressed and any external influence is strictly evaded. The occurrence of groupthink is favored distinctive preconditions that include high echelons of cohesiveness, absence of contrary opinions and the presence of authoritative leader who is able to articulate personal wishes (Aronson, 2010).

The implication of group polarization is group’s propensity to arrive highly extreme decisions relative to the initial penchant of the members. The extremity of such decisions is a potential cause of risk and caution to the initial tendencies of the group members (Aronson, 2010). Group polarization plays a crucial role in the explanation of group behavior in most of the situations affecting real life. Such situations may involve violence, public policy, life in college as well as terrorism (Van & Lyn, 2009). Group polarization is also evident during national elections in a country. This is manifested by nationwide broadcasting of political conventions that has significant implication in the voting patterns of the citizens. Political parties are founded on identical fundamentals as well as ideals. Some members in these parties may however sometimes waver on their opinions regarding certain issues. The strong unity in the party is propagated in political conventions through influential speakers. This is usually an energizing and cementing agent that makes members hold fast to the party on individual capacity, thus amalgamating the strength of the party in general.

References

Aronson, E., (2010). Social Psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Van,  S. & Lyn, M., (2009). “Extreme members and group polarization”. Social Influence 4 (3): 185–199.