MCAT® ExamCritical Analysis and Reasoning SkillsHard
Passage: The concept of 'group polarization' describes the tendency for a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of its members. This shift toward extremity can occur in either a more cautious or more risky direction. Two common explanations are social comparison (members adjust their opinions to align with the perceived group norm, which tends to be more extreme) and persuasive arguments (members are exposed to more arguments supporting the dominant viewpoint within the group). A neighborhood watch committee, initially composed of individuals who moderately favored increasing local police patrols, holds a series of meetings. During these meetings, members primarily share anecdotes about rising crime rates and express strong opinions about the need for immediate, drastic action. After these discussions, the committee unanimously votes to demand a significant increase in police funding and the implementation of a 24/7 armed citizen patrol. This outcome is an example of:
- AGroupthink
- BSocial loafing
- CGroup polarization
- DDeindividuation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Group polarization
The committee members, initially moderately favoring increased patrols, moved to a more extreme position (significant funding increase and armed citizen patrol) after group discussion. This shift towards a more extreme decision than the initial individual inclinations is the definition of group polarization.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Groupthink involves suppressing dissenting opinions for harmony, often leading to poor decisions, but the focus here is on the *extremity* of the decision, not necessarily the suppression of dissent.
- B. Social loafing refers to individuals exerting less effort in a group, which is not described here.
- D. Deindividuation involves a loss of self-awareness in groups, leading to uninhibited behavior, which is not the primary phenomenon here.
Group Polarization
Group discussion leads to decisions more extreme than the average initial inclinations of its members.
- Shift towards extremity (riskier or more cautious).
- Explained by social comparison and persuasive arguments.
- Differs from groupthink, which focuses on conformity and poor decision-making.
Memory trick: Polarization: The group pulls everyone to the 'poles' of opinion.