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Group Polarization
Group polarization, a process that takes place after group interaction and initial attitude, is a phenomenon that affects our daily lives profoundly. The effects and corollaries of group thinking are dire and result in a uniformed routine of dysfunctional and irrational decision-making processes (Crisp & Turner, 2010). Here, group members will do their best to minimize conflict and enable a consensus without evaluating their options critically. Through active dissension of significant viewpoints, group thinking focuses on the conformity and harmony of few people in the group, who in some cases have their interest in mind. As such, group thinking and polarization typically affect this crucial decision-making component within a functional group. This decision-making component arises since group polarization addresses the methods in which groups of individuals influence and interact the commencement of more extreme actions and attitudes (Brauer, Judd & Gliner, 1995). Not only does group thinking affect the process of decision-making, but it also determines the level of risk the group is willing to work with. Therefore, group polarization and thinking have numerous implications on various topics such as attitude extremity, attitude strength, and attitude change.
Alternatives to group thinking are numerous, and all apply under dissimilar circumstances in which groups find themselves in. The most effective alternative strategy is through the use of dissent and the employment of vigilant decision-making strategies through critical thinking. Consider a case whereby a young man undergoing bullying stabs two of his classmates in Middle School in the Bronx. This case presents a social media buzz that focused on the bullying of this young man and not on the clear picture of comprehending the repercussions that have affected the three families involved. This is a classic scenario of group thinking, where, all the participants take a similar thinking course without actually considering all aspects of the argument. In this case, alternatives such as offering a dissenting voice and providing critical thought particularly on the rest of the families is a good approach in silencing group thinking.
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References
Brauer, M., Judd, C., & Gliner, M. (1995). The effects of repeated expressions on attitude polarization during group discussions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 68 , 1014-1029.
Crisp, R., & Turner, R. (2010). Essential Social Psychology (Second Ed.). Sage Publications.
