This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Explain how discussion of a topic with like-minded others can lead people to hold their views with ... (Read 86 times)

stevenposner

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 608
Explain how discussion of a topic with like-minded others can lead people to hold their views with greater conviction, and why this happens.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

List and briefly describe at least three different factors that reduce the effectiveness of brainstorming in groups.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

ApricotDream

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 336
Answer to Question 1

When people discuss a topic with like-minded others, they often experience an
exaggeration of the initial tendencies in their thinking. For example, individuals who
enter a discussion with a slight preference for a risky course of action often leave that
discussion endorsing an even riskier position. This phenomenon is called group
polarization, for which at least two explanations have been proposed. (1) Persuasive
arguments theory suggests that people in a group discussion with like-minded others
hear novel informational arguments to support their initial views that then intensify
these views. (2) Social comparison theory suggests that once people get in a group,
they compare themselves with others and then adjust their own attitudes to be even
more typical of the group norm so that they appear to be good group members.

Answer to Question 2

1 . Production blocking. Having to wait their turn to speak, people may forget
their ideas, don't generate additional ideas until they can speak, or simply lose
interest.
2 . Free riding. As others contribute ideas, individuals see their own contributions
as less needed or less likely to have much impact. They therefore try less hard
and engage in social loafing.
3 . Evaluation apprehension. People may be hesitant to suggest unusual ideas for
fear of looking foolish and being criticized.
4 . Performance matching. Group members work only as hard as they see others
work. Once the other three factors above have reduced the performance of a
brainstorming group, performance matching can help maintain this relatively
inferior performance.





 

Did you know?

The most dangerous mercury compound, dimethyl mercury, is so toxic that even a few microliters spilled on the skin can cause death. Mercury has been shown to accumulate in higher amounts in the following types of fish than other types: swordfish, shark, mackerel, tilefish, crab, and tuna.

Did you know?

During pregnancy, a woman is more likely to experience bleeding gums and nosebleeds caused by hormonal changes that increase blood flow to the mouth and nose.

Did you know?

Elderly adults are at greatest risk of stroke and myocardial infarction and have the most to gain from prophylaxis. Patients ages 60 to 80 years with blood pressures above 160/90 mm Hg should benefit from antihypertensive treatment.

Did you know?

The average human gut is home to perhaps 500 to 1,000 different species of bacteria.

Did you know?

It is difficult to obtain enough calcium without consuming milk or other dairy foods.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library