Which term describes the process by which group discussion strengthens a group's prevailing attitudes and makes them more extreme?

Which term describes the process by which group discussion strengthens a group's prevailing attitudes and makes them more extreme?

• A. Norm
• B. Prejudice
• C. Group Polarization
• D. Informational Social Influence

Answer: (C)

Group polarization happens when group discussion pushes the group’s shared stance to a more extreme position. As members exchange arguments that support their side and compare themselves with others, the prevailing view collects more support and is intensified, leading to a stronger, more pronounced attitude after the discussion. For example, a group that starts with a leaning toward a strict policy may end up advocating an even harsher version after talking things through together. Other terms don’t capture this process as a whole. A norm is a standard of behavior for a group, not the shift in attitude that happens after discussion. Prejudice describes a biased attitude itself, not the discussion-driven strengthening of a group’s position. Informational social influence explains why people listen to others and might adopt new information, but the labeled phenomenon refers to the overall shift toward more extreme group consensus, not just the influence mechanism.

Group polarization happens when group discussion pushes the group’s shared stance to a more extreme position. As members exchange arguments that support their side and compare themselves with others, the prevailing view collects more support and is intensified, leading to a stronger, more pronounced attitude after the discussion. For example, a group that starts with a leaning toward a strict policy may end up advocating an even harsher version after talking things through together.

Other terms don’t capture this process as a whole. A norm is a standard of behavior for a group, not the shift in attitude that happens after discussion. Prejudice describes a biased attitude itself, not the discussion-driven strengthening of a group’s position. Informational social influence explains why people listen to others and might adopt new information, but the labeled phenomenon refers to the overall shift toward more extreme group consensus, not just the influence mechanism.