Group polarization

Definition

Group polarization is a psychological phenomenon where members of a group tend to adopt more extreme positions or attitudes after discussing an issue together. This occurs because individuals reinforce each other's opinions, leading to heightened feelings and beliefs that align with the group's consensus. As members share their views, they often feel compelled to align more closely with the majority, resulting in a shift towards more extreme perspectives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Group polarization can occur in various settings, such as political discussions, jury deliberations, and online forums, where group dynamics influence individual opinions.
2. The phenomenon is often driven by social influence, where individuals feel pressure to conform to the dominant viewpoint within the group.
3. Group polarization can lead to positive or negative outcomes; while it may strengthen commitment to positive causes, it can also exacerbate prejudice and hostility towards outgroups.
4. Research shows that group polarization is more likely when discussions are open and when members are similar in their initial attitudes.
5. Understanding group polarization is crucial for leaders and moderators in managing group discussions to prevent extreme positions that may arise from unchallenged consensus.

Review Questions

• How does social comparison contribute to group polarization during group discussions?
  • Social comparison plays a key role in group polarization as individuals assess their opinions against those of their peers. When people discuss a topic, they often seek to align themselves with what they perceive as the majority view, leading them to adopt more extreme positions. This dynamic not only strengthens their commitment to the group's stance but also influences others in the group to shift their views further toward extremity, reinforcing the overall polarization.
• Discuss how confirmation bias can amplify group polarization and affect decision-making processes within a group.
  • Confirmation bias amplifies group polarization by causing members to selectively focus on information that supports their existing beliefs while disregarding contradictory evidence. In a group setting, this bias can create an echo chamber effect where shared ideas are continuously validated, leading participants to become more entrenched in their views. This skewed perspective not only intensifies polarization but can also lead to poor decision-making, as groups fail to consider alternative viewpoints or critical evidence.
• Evaluate the implications of group polarization in online communities and how it shapes collective behavior and attitudes.
  • Group polarization in online communities significantly shapes collective behavior and attitudes by allowing like-minded individuals to congregate and reinforce each other's beliefs without challenge. This digital echo chamber effect can lead to extreme viewpoints becoming normalized within these groups, fostering division and hostility towards opposing perspectives. As members engage in discussions that amplify their preexisting beliefs, the resultant polarization can influence broader societal attitudes and behaviors, making it crucial for platforms to encourage diverse interactions and mitigate extremist tendencies.

Related terms

social comparison: The process by which individuals evaluate their opinions and abilities by comparing themselves to others, often leading to adjustments in their own beliefs.

confirmation bias: The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs, while ignoring contradictory evidence.

groupthink:

A psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony and conformity in a group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcomes.