What outcome can group polarization lead to in a group setting?

What outcome can group polarization lead to in a group setting?

• A. Greater collaboration amongst diverse members.
• B. More moderate and balanced group opinions.
• C. Increased intensity of group opinions and decisions.
• D. Enhanced critical thinking and debate within the group.

Answer: (C)

Group polarization occurs when individuals within a group come to a consensus that is more extreme than the initial individual opinions of the members. This phenomenon can lead to the increased intensity of opinions and decisions, as members reinforce one another's views, often pushing the group's perspective toward a more extreme position. In a group setting, discussions can stimulate members to adopt stronger stances, often due to social validation and the desire to conform to the perceived group norm. As a result, the final decisions or opinions of the group may reflect heightened certainty and assertiveness, diverging from moderate or balanced viewpoints and leading to choices that reflect higher conviction. The other outcomes suggested do not align with the nature of group polarization. While collaboration, moderation of opinions, and enhanced critical thinking are important aspects of healthy group dynamics, they do not characterize the tendency of groups to gravitate towards more extreme positions as seen in group polarization.

Group polarization occurs when individuals within a group come to a consensus that is more extreme than the initial individual opinions of the members. This phenomenon can lead to the increased intensity of opinions and decisions, as members reinforce one another's views, often pushing the group's perspective toward a more extreme position.

In a group setting, discussions can stimulate members to adopt stronger stances, often due to social validation and the desire to conform to the perceived group norm. As a result, the final decisions or opinions of the group may reflect heightened certainty and assertiveness, diverging from moderate or balanced viewpoints and leading to choices that reflect higher conviction.

The other outcomes suggested do not align with the nature of group polarization. While collaboration, moderation of opinions, and enhanced critical thinking are important aspects of healthy group dynamics, they do not characterize the tendency of groups to gravitate towards more extreme positions as seen in group polarization.