Question

The strengthening of the group's initial position as a result of group discussion and interaction is referred to as:

• A. Group polarisation
• B. Groupthink
• C. Obedience
• D. Social loafing
• A. Cohesiveness
• B. Autokinetic effect
• C. Compliance
• D. Bandwagon effect
• A. (A) and (B) only
• B. (B), (C) and (D) only
• C. (A) and (C) only
• D. (A), (B) and (C) only
• A. Ingroup
• B. Outgroup
• C. Non-conformists
• D. Friends
• A. (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)
• B. (A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)
• C. (A) - (III), (B) - (II), (C) - (I), (D) - (IV)
• D. (A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to name the phenomenon described in the last sentence of the passage: "Whatever the initial position in the group, this position becomes much stronger as a result of discussions and interaction in the group."
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Group polarisation: This is the precise term for the tendency for groups to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of their members. If the initial tendency is towards risk, the group decision is riskier; if the initial tendency is towards caution, the group decision is more cautious. The passage's description is a textbook definition of this phenomenon.
Groupthink: This is a mode of thinking that occurs when the desire for group consensus overrides the realistic appraisal of alternative courses of action. It's about flawed decision-making due to a lack of critical evaluation, not just the strengthening of an initial position.
Obedience: This refers to complying with commands given by an authority figure.
Social loafing: This is the tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working collectively than when working individually.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The strengthening of the group's initial position through discussion is known as Group polarisation.

Answer 2

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question describes a situation where an individual's belief is strengthened because they perceive that many other people hold the same belief.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Cohesiveness: Refers to the bonds that link group members together. While a cohesive group might have similar opinions, this term doesn't describe the phenomenon of validation itself.
Autokinetic effect: A perceptual illusion of apparent movement of a stationary point of light in a dark room, used in Sherif's conformity studies. It is not relevant here.
Compliance: Publicly acting in accord with an explicit or implicit request while privately disagreeing. This is not what is described.
Bandwagon effect: This is a cognitive bias where people do or believe things because many other people do or believe the same. The feeling of being "validated by the public" and the strengthening of one's view due to popular support is a core feature of the bandwagon effect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The phenomenon described is the Bandwagon effect.

Answer 3

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
We need to evaluate each statement based on the provided passage and established principles of social psychology.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


(A) Individuals are more likely to take extreme decisions than the group. This is explicitly contradicted by the passage, which states, "groups are more likely to take extreme decisions than individuals alone." Therefore, (A) is false.
(B) When you find others favouring your opinion, you feel that your view is being validated by the public. This describes the process of social validation, which is a key mechanism behind conformity and group polarisation. This statement is true.
(C) When you find people having similar views, you are likely to perceive them as in-group and as a consequence your views get strengthened. This describes two related concepts: ingroup formation (based on social identity theory) and the strengthening of views (a part of group polarisation). This statement is true.
(D) Groups are more likely to take extreme decisions than individuals alone. This is explicitly stated in the passage and is the definition of the group extremity shift seen in group polarisation. This statement is true.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct statements are (B), (C), and (D). This combination corresponds to option (2).

Answer 4

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question relates to Social Identity Theory, which posits that people categorize themselves and others into social groups.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Ingroup: A social group to which a person psychologically identifies as being a member. This is the "us." People with similar views are typically perceived as part of one's ingroup.
Outgroup: A social group with which an individual does not identify. This is the "them."
Non-conformists: Individuals who do not conform to group norms. This is the opposite of what is described.
Friends: While people with similar views may become friends, "ingroup" is the broader and more technical psychological term for any group with which one identifies, whether they are personal friends or not.
Step 3: Final Answer:
According to social psychology, you are likely to perceive others with similar views as your Ingroup.

Answer 5

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires matching key terms in group dynamics with their correct definitions.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's match each description in List-I with the appropriate term in List-II:

(A) Members are viewed differently and are often perceived negatively: This is the definition of how an ingroup typically perceives an (III) Outgroup.
(B) The strengthening of the group's initial position as a result of group interaction and discussion: This is the precise definition of (I) Group polarisation.
(C) Appearance of consensus or unanimous agreement within a group: This illusion of agreement, often due to suppression of dissent, is a primary symptom of (IV) Groupthink.
(D) Team spirit or 'we' feeling or a sense of belongingness to the group: This is the definition of group (II) Cohesiveness.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching is (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), and (D)-(II). This corresponds to option (4).