Hums 9.1.1 Groupthink

Which researcher created groupthink theory?

• Belbin

• Janis

• Alderfer

• Bandura

Which of the following are characteristics of a group which may engage in groupthink?

• the members don't like each other

• the members have a lot of respect for another

• the members of the group are generally not very intelligent

• the groups is a cohesive team

What is groupthink?

• a theory about how teams are formed

• a theory about how different roles make a good team

• a theory about why people share the same ideas

• a theory about why group may make bad decision

Which characteristic of groupthink is being described below.

When group members falsely believe that all the other members of the group think the same as they do.

• illusions of invulnerability

• illusions of unanimity

• high levels of pressure to conform

• rushing decision

Which characteristic of groupthink is being described below.

When group members are overly optimistic and willing to take risks because they have some much faith in each others abilities.

• illusions of invulnerability

• illusions of unanimity

• high levels of pressure to conform

• rushing decision

In the case study about the challenger shuttle explosion, the decision whether or not to delay the launch of the shuttle was discussed the 13 hours before the scheduled launch. This exemplified which characteristic of groupthink?

• illusions of invulnerability

• illusions of unanimity

• high levels of pressure to conform

• rushing decision

In the case study about the challenger shuttle explosion, the group says they have been flying for four years having know about a problem with the joints in the shuttle. However, they ignore this evidence and decide to still go ahead with the launch. This exemplifies which characteristic of groupthink?

• illusions of invulnerability

• illusions of unanimity

• high levels of pressure to conform

• rushing decision

In the case study about the challenger shuttle explosion, the vice president of engineering expresses his concerns. In an open vote by the group he however does not want to show his disagreement with the other members and hence does not dispute it.

This exemplifies which characteristic of groupthink?

• direct pressure from others

• illusions of unanimity

• high levels of respect for one another and wanting to maintain group cohesion

• unquestioned beliefs

Which of the following might help a group avoid the illusion of invulnerability?

• take a break between meeting

• dived the group into smaller sub-groups

• anonymous voting

• encourage people to talk openly and be critical

Which two of the following might help a group avoid the pressuring individual members to agree with the majority view?

• take a break between meeting

• dived the group into smaller sub-groups

• anonymous voting

• assemble a team in which members do not respect one another