groupthink

(noun)

A psychological phenomenon that occurs within groups of people, in which the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives.

Related Terms

Examples of groupthink in the following topics:

  • Group Behavior

    • Groups influence individual decision-making processes in a variety of ways, such as groupthink, groupshift, and deindividuation.
    • While there are many ways a group can influence behavior, we will focus on three key phenomena: groupthink, groupshift, and deindividuation.
    • Groupthink happens when group members, faced with an important choice, become so focused on making a smooth, quick decision that they overlook other, possibly more fruitful options.
    • This image outlines the requirements, symptoms, and defects of groupthink in detail.
    • Groups must be cohesive, insulated, lack an impartial leader, and homogenous, as well as be in a provocative, high stress situation, in order for groupthink to occur.