Group Polarization
Definition
Group polarization refers to the tendency for a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of its members.
Analogy
Think of group polarization like ordering pizza with friends. You might initially want just one topping, but after discussing with your friends, you all decide on a pizza loaded with every topping available. The decision became more extreme due to the influence and agreement within the group.
Related terms
Social Facilitation: This is when an individual's performance improves because they are in a group setting.
Groupthink: This is when people in a group avoid promoting differing opinions or alternatives in order to maintain harmony.
Conformity: This refers to adjusting our behavior or thinking to coincide with a group standard.
"Group Polarization" appears in:
Practice Questions (5)
Which of the following best describes how group polarization enhances group decision-making?
How does group polarization relate to the concept of conformity?
How does group polarization affect decision-making within a group?
What potential experiment could effectively study the influence of group polarization on decision-making in a jury?
Which intervention could assist in managing the negative effects of group polarization?
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