chapter 18: groupthink

Question 1

groupthink

Answer 1

a way of group deliberation that minimizes conflict and emphasizes the need for unanimity

Question 2

problem-solving groups

Answer 2

sets of individuals whose main task is to make decisions and provide policy recommendations

Question 3

task-oriented groups

Answer 3

sets of individuals whose main goal is to work toward completing jobs assigned to them

Question 4

cohesiveness

Answer 4

a cultural value that places emphasis on the group over the individual

Question 5

affiliative constraints

Answer 5

when members withhold their input rather than face rejection from the group

Question 6

homogeneity

Answer 6

group similarity

Question 7

group insulation

Answer 7

a group’s ability to remain unaffected by outside influences

Question 8

lack of impartial leadership

Answer 8

groups led by individuals who put their personal agendas first

Question 9

lack of decision making procedures

Answer 9

failure to provide norms for solving group issues

Question 10

concurrence seeking

Answer 10

efforts to search out group consensus

Question 11

illusion of invulnerability

Answer 11

belief that the group is special enough to overcome obstacles

Question 12

belief in the inherent morality of the group

Answer 12

assumption that the group members are thoughtful and good; therefore the decisions they make will be good

Question 13

closemindedness

Answer 13

a group’s willingness to ignore differences and influences of the group

Question 14

out-group stereotypes

Answer 14

stereotyped perceptions of group enemies or competitors

Question 15

collective rationalization

Answer 15

situation in which group members ignore warnings about their decisions

Question 16

pressure toward conformity

Answer 16

occurs when group members go along to get along

Question 17

self-censorship

Answer 17

group members minimize personal doubts and counterarguments

Question 18

illusion of unanimity

Answer 18

belief that silence equals agreement

Question 19

self-appointed mindguards

Answer 19

individuals who protect the group from adverse information

Question 20

pressures on dissenters

Answer 20

direct influence on group members who provide thoughts contrary to the group’s

Question 21

whistle-blowing

Answer 21

process in which individuals report unethical or illegal behaviors or practices to others

Question 22

conscientious objectors

Answer 22

group members who refuse to participate because it would violate personal conscience

Question 23

overestimation of the group

Answer 23

erroneous belief that the group is more than it is