Individuals in Groups Flashcards
What may be the most poweful of all human motivations?
-the need to belong
The most powerful weapon that groups have to ensure cooperation is…
-ostracism-permanent banishment or rejection
Social rejection impedes the ability to…
- think critically
- solve problems
- can lead to mental, eating disorders, and attempted suicide
Positive aspects of conformity include…
- confers a sense of sync with friends and colleagues
- helps society run smoothly
Negative aspects of conformity include…
- power to suppress critical thinking and creativity
- many will deny their private beliefs
Define: groupthink
-tendency for members of a group to think alike for the sake of harmony and to suppress disagreement
Symptoms of groupthink include…
- illusion of invulnerability
- self-censorship
- pressure to conform
- illusion of unanimity
Groupthink can be minimized if…
- leaders reward expressions of doubt
- protect and encourage minority views
- group generate many alternative solutions and come up with pros and cons of preferred decision
Define: diffusion of responsibility
-members of a group tend not to take action because they assume someone else will
One result of diffusion of responsibility is…
-bystander apathy
The most extreme instances of diffusion of responsibility occur in…
-large, anonymous crowds or mobs
Define: deindividuation
-tendency for members of a large crowd or mob to lose awareness of their own individuality
People in large crowds or anonymous situations become more likely to…
-conform to the norms of the specific situation
People are more likely to come to a stanger’s aid if…
-there is no one else around to help, because responsibility cannot be diffused
Define: altruism
-willingness to take selfless or dangerous action on behalf of others
