9.4:

9.4: Pensamiento colectivo

JoVE Core
Social Psychology

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JoVE Core Social Psychology

Groupthink

9.3: Group Polarization

9.5: Deindividuation

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01:34 min

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February 12, 2020

Overview

When in group settings, we are often influenced by the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around us. Groupthink is another phenomenon of conformity where modification of the opinions of members in a group aligns with what they believe is the group consensus (Janis, 1972). In such situations, the group often takes action that individuals would not perform outside the group setting because groups make more extreme decisions than individuals do. Moreover, groupthink can hinder opposing trains of thought. This elimination of diverse opinions contributes to faulty decision by the group.

Why Does Groupthink Occur?

There are several causes of groupthink, which makes it preventable. When the group is highly cohesive, or has a strong sense of connection, maintaining group harmony may become more important to the group than making sound decisions. If the group leader is directive and makes his opinions known, this may discourage group members from disagreeing with the leader. If the group is isolated from hearing alternative or new viewpoints, groupthink may be more likely.

How Do You Know When Groupthink Is Occurring?

There are several symptoms of groupthink, including the following:

perceiving the group as invulnerable or invincible—believing it can do no wrong
believing the group is morally correct
self-censorship by group members, such as withholding information to avoid disrupting the group consensus
the quashing of dissenting group members’ opinions
the shielding of the group leader from dissenting views
perceiving an illusion of unanimity among group members
holding stereotypes or negative attitudes toward the out-group or others’ with differing viewpoints (Janis, 1972)

Given the causes and symptoms of groupthink, how can it be avoided? There are several strategies that can improve group decision making including seeking outside opinions, voting in private, having the leader withhold position statements until all group members have voiced their views, conducting research on all viewpoints, weighing the costs and benefits of all options, and developing a contingency plan (Janis, 1972; Mitchell & Eckstein, 2009).

This text is adapted from OpenStax, Psychology. OpenStax CNX.

Transcript

A veces, un individuo puede suprimir o censurar sus verdaderas opiniones de la multitud “popular” para encajar y evitar la incomodidad, el resentimiento o sentirse como un paria.

Esta situación se denomina pensamiento grupal, un modo de pensamiento en el que el deseo de conformidad y unanimidad en un grupo cohesivo anula las decisiones o acciones alternativas y realistas.

En presencia de un líder estimado, los miembros descubren sus intereses compartidos y antecedentes similares y aparecen como una unidad homogénea.

Como resultado, la persona ahora leal puede experimentar una ilusión de invulnerabilidad, se siente protegida de cualquier opinión externa que pueda variar, y no será objeto de burla desde adentro.

Con el tiempo, el miedo a ser condenado al ostracismo puede incluso causar un estrés que racionaliza a unos pocos a actuar con nociones equivocadas, como decidir que son los mejores y estereotipar a los que están fuera del grupo como perdedores.

Tales creencias pueden incluso extenderse a través de los medios de comunicación populares, donde otros “me gustan” el mensaje y desalientan cualquier disidencia.

Con un número creciente de puntos de vista incuestionables, el pensamiento grupal puede ser perjudicial para el bienestar y el pensamiento crítico de todos y, por lo tanto, debe evitarse.

En este caso, para reducir la probabilidad de pensamiento grupal, el “líder de la banda” debe disminuir su presencia para evitar influir en las opiniones de los demás. Además, los miembros podían consultar o interrogar a una persona externa de confianza para obtener puntos de vista imparciales y alternativos, manteniendo vivas perspectivas más amplias.

Key Terms and definitions

Groupthink – A psychological phenomenon of conformity within a group
Conformity – The alignment of one's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with group norms
Illusion of Unanimity – False belief of agreement within a group in groupthink
Self-censorship – Withholding of dissenting views to preserve group unity in groupthink
Illusion of Invulnerability – Overestimation of group's infallibility in groupthink

Learning Objectives

Define Groupthink – Understand the principles of groupthink and conformity (e.g., groupthink).
Contrast Groupthink vs Conformity – Distinguish between these two group-level constructs (e.g., conformity).
Explore Symptoms of Groupthink – Identify primary indications of groupthink (e.g., illusion of unanimity).
Explain Causes of Groupthink – Understand the reasons why groupthink occurs.
Apply Strategies to Avoid Groupthink – Understand how groupthink can be prevented effectively.

Questions that this video will help you answer

What is groupthink and how does it influence group decisions?
What are the major symptoms and causes of groupthink?
How can groupthink be avoided with strategic planning?

This video is also useful for

Students – Grasp groupthink's impact on group dynamics and decision-making.
Educators – Provides a clear understanding of groupthink for comprehensive teaching.
Researchers – Understand groupthink for studies on group behavior and decision processes.
Psychology Enthusiasts – Offers insights into group-level psychological phenomena.