MCAT® ExamCritical Analysis and Reasoning SkillsEasy
A group of friends is debating the merits of a new local ordinance. Initially, they hold a range of opinions. After an hour of discussion, however, their collective stance becomes much more extreme than any individual's initial view. Which of the following psychological phenomena best describes this outcome?
- AAvailability Heuristic
- BGroup Polarization
- CBystander Effect
- DConfirmation Bias
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Group Polarization
Group Polarization describes the phenomenon where a group's collective decision or opinion becomes more extreme after discussion, moving towards a more extreme point in the direction of the group members' initial inclinations. The scenario directly illustrates this process.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The availability heuristic is a mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to a given person's mind when evaluating a specific topic. (Incorrect)
- C. The bystander effect refers to individuals being less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. (Incorrect)
- D. Confirmation bias involves seeking out information that confirms one's existing beliefs, not necessarily a group's shift to an extreme. (Incorrect)
Group Polarization
The tendency for a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclinations of its members.
- Occurs after group discussion.
- Results in a shift towards a more extreme position.
- Can lead to both riskier and more cautious decisions.
Memory trick: Groups can push opinions to the extremes, like a pole vault.