Group polarization is a phenomenon where individuals in a group tend to make more extreme decisions after they engage in group discussion. It explains that when a group of like-minded people gathers and discusses a certain topic, they tend to arrive at an even more extreme position than before. In other words, when individuals interact with others who share the same views, their opinions and attitudes become more extreme than their initial beliefs.
There are several reasons why group polarization occurs. One of these is informational influence, which states that individuals learn from others in the group and update their beliefs based on the information presented. Another reason is social comparison, which refers to how people compare themselves to others in the group to boost their self-esteem.
When Group Polarization is likely to Occur?
Group polarization can occur in various situations, but there are some instances in which it is more likely to occur. We will now discuss some of these contexts.
1. Political Groups
One of the best examples of group polarization is in politics. Political groups are magnets for people who share the same beliefs and opinions. Individuals in political groups tend to hold strong opinions on political issues. When these individuals gather and discuss their political opinions, they tend to become more extreme in their views. This happens as a result of people seeking validation from others in their group. People who have moderate political views tend to become more liberal or conservative after joining political organizations.
2. Online Communities
The rise of social media platforms has led to the creation of online communities. People can easily connect with others who share the same interests and opinions as them. Online communities have become a breeding ground for group polarization. Individuals who join online communities tend to hold strong opinions on various topics. When these individuals interact with others in the community, they become more extreme in their views. The online environment is conducive to extreme viewpoints as people can easily filter out alternative perspectives.
3. Business Organizations
Group polarization is not limited to political or online groups. It can occur in business organizations as well. Business organizations that operate in a highly competitive environment require their employees to take risks. When employees discuss business-related decisions, they tend to become more extreme in their strategies. Individuals who have initially held moderate views tend to become more radical in their opinions, which can lead to increased risk-taking in business operations.
4. Religious Organizations
Like political groups, religious organizations tend to attract like-minded people. Religious individuals tend to hold strong beliefs, and when they gather and discuss religion, they tend to become more extreme in their beliefs. Religious organizations can create an environment where alternative viewpoints are not heard, leading to the development of extremist attitudes.
Conclusion
Group polarization is a real phenomenon that occurs in various contexts, including political groups, online communities, business organizations, and religious organizations. Individuals who share the same beliefs and values tend to become more extreme in their opinions after group discussion. To prevent the negative effects of group polarization, individuals must be exposed to alternative viewpoints. This will result in a more balanced decision-making process and lead to better outcomes.
FAQ
Which of the following is an example of group Polarisation?
Group polarization is a phenomenon that occurs when groups make more extreme decisions than individuals would make alone. It is characterized by a shift in attitudes towards more extreme positions after group discussion. There are various examples of group polarization, ranging from politics to social issues. One example of group polarization is political polarization, where individuals become more entrenched in their ideological positions, causing them to move further away from the opposing viewpoint. This can lead to a breakdown in political discourse and compromise, resulting in gridlock and inefficiency.
Another example of group polarization is the phenomenon of online echo chambers. In online spaces, individuals have the ability to seek out and consume media that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, leading to the creation of echo chambers. Echo chambers can lead to group polarization, as users are exposed only to those viewpoints that reinforce their pre-existing opinions, and are less likely to encounter dissenting views or engage in constructive debate.
Group polarization can also occur in settings outside of politics and social issues. For example, in business settings, group polarization can lead to risky decision-making and overconfidence, where groups may take larger risks than individuals would be willing to take. This can lead to financial losses and other negative outcomes.
Group polarization can occur in various settings and can have serious consequences. It is important to recognize the phenomenon and take steps to mitigate its effects, such as engaging in constructive debate and exposing oneself to diverse opinions.
What is the group polarization effect quizlet?
Group polarization effect is a phenomenon that describes how individuals, when forming groups, tend to make decisions that are more extreme than their initial inclinations. This effect can be observed in various contexts, from political discussions to business decisions and even social interactions.
Generally, the group polarization effect is driven by the individual members’ desire to conform to their peers and be perceived favorably by the group. This leads to a reinforcing cycle of opinions, where members who initially held moderate or similar views to the group’s tend to express more extreme positions after discussing with the group.
For example, research shows that political groups tend to become more polarized after discussing an issue together. If a group of conservatives discusses a topic such as gun control, they are more likely to leave the conversation with even more conservative views. And vice versa for a group of liberals, who may leave the conversation with even more liberal views.
The group polarization effect can also be seen in online communities, where individuals can discuss topics freely and anonymously. People with similar views gather together and reinforce each other’s positions, leading to more extreme opinions and behaviors. This has led to the rise of echo chambers, where people only consume and engage with content that confirms their existing beliefs and opinions.
The group polarization effect is a powerful force that can shape individuals’ opinions and decisions when they are part of a group. It is essential to be aware of this effect and the potential consequences it can have, such as amplifying discrimination and prejudice, to make sure we can make informed and reasoned decisions.
What are group polarization and groupthink provide definition and examples for each and how much power do we have as individuals?
Group polarization and groupthink are two social phenomena that can have a significant impact on decision-making within group settings. Both of these phenomena can lead to flawed decision-making and can be the result of the power dynamics within a group setting. In this answer, we will define group polarization and groupthink, provide examples for each, and discuss the power that individuals have within these situations.
Group polarization occurs when group discussions with like-minded others strengthen members’ prevailing beliefs and attitudes. In other words, group polarization refers to the tendency for people to become more extreme in their attitudes or beliefs after interacting with others who share those same attitudes or beliefs. For example, if a group of people who believe that climate change is real and caused by human activity come together to discuss the issue, they may become more convinced of their position and more extreme in their beliefs after the discussion.
Groupthink, on the other hand, is driven by a desire for harmony within a decision-making group, overriding realistic appraisal of alternatives. Groupthink can lead to the suppression of dissenting opinions and can lead to the group making decisions that are not rational or well thought out. An example of groupthink is the Challenger space shuttle disaster. NASA engineers who were responsible for the safety of the shuttle were overruled by management officials who were more concerned with meeting a launch deadline. The result was a catastrophic failure that led to the deaths of all seven crew members.
In both cases, the power of the individual and the power of the situation interact. Individuals within a group may feel pressure to conform to the prevailing attitudes or beliefs of the group, even if they have doubts or concerns. This can happen in group polarization when individuals become more extreme in their beliefs or attitudes, and in groupthink when dissenting opinions are suppressed to maintain harmony within the group.
However, individuals still have some power within these situations. While it may be difficult to speak up against a group’s prevailing beliefs or attitudes, individuals can do so by presenting evidence or alternative perspectives that challenge the group’s views. This can be especially effective if the evidence or perspectives come from a credible source. Additionally, individuals can also choose to leave a group or to not participate in group discussions that they feel are problematic or potentially harmful.
Group polarization and groupthink are two social phenomena that can have a significant impact on decision-making within group settings. Both can lead to flawed decision-making and can be the result of the power dynamics within a group setting. While individuals may feel pressure to conform to the prevailing attitudes or beliefs of the group, they still have some power to challenge these perspectives and to make their own decisions about whether or not to participate in group discussions or to leave a group.
