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Group Polarization Phenomenon
Explanations > Theories > Group Polarization Phenomenon Description | Research | Example | So What? | See also | References
DescriptionIn groups, people tend to be more extreme in their decisions. Imagine you are arguing your point with someone else: to make the point and separate what you have to say from other people, you may exaggerate your position somewhat. The problem then is that having taken a position you feel obliged to support it, even if you think it actually is a bit extreme. People who tend to take risky decisions will make riskier decisions in a group as the risk is shared (risky shift). People who are more conservative will tend to make very conservative decisions as they take on the persona of the group and try to protect them from the effects of any risky decisions. ExampleGroups of young people will often do stupid things that they later bitterly regret. So what?Using itTo get risky decisions made, bring together people who tend towards risk. To sustain the status quo, use groups of conservative people. DefendingWhen a group you are in makes a decision, highlight the real risk vs. the assumed risk in the decision. See alsoRisky Shift Phenomenon, Persuasive Arguments Theory http://www.la.utexas.edu/conf2000/papers/LawofGroupPolarization.pdf http://www.pmm.nl/philo/philo.htm ReferencesStonor (1961), Moscovici and Zavalloni (1969), Myers and Arenson (1972)
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