Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Psychology

Chapter

Social Influence and Group Processes

Question:

Read the passage and answer the following questions:

It is generally seen that important decisions are taken by groups and not by individuals alone. For example, a decision had to be taken regarding corruption charges against an employee. Johnson was an employee working as an Assistant Manager in a pharma company. He joined this company in 2020 and has proven his mettle by his performance and commitment. One day he was caught red-handed by a senior official of the company while he was taking bribes from a client for some favor. This news spread like fire in the company. A high level committee consisting of 5 members was set up to look into the matter. There had been precedence when demotion was awarded as a punishment in similar cases. Initially, when the inquiry was set up, every member was of the view of downgrading his current rank. But one member shared his/her view about his termination. Over the discussions, it was found that every member developed an opinion about Johnson's termination from the services. It is a general tendency that when one's view is favoured by others, the person feels like his view is validated by the public. In this matter, the committee finally announced his termination.

Which of the following is NOT an example of group polarisation?

Options:

Discipline committee's decision on expulsion of a student from the school for his/her conduct

Group consent on the implementation of capital punishment

A board's decision to terminate the service of an employee for a minor mistake

Personal decision not to participate in the school prayer

Correct Answer:

Personal decision not to participate in the school prayer

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → Personal decision not to participate in the school prayer

Group polarisation happens when a group discussion leads to a more extreme decision than what individuals initially preferred.

  • Discipline committee expelling a student → example of group polarisation.

  • Group consent on capital punishment → example of group polarisation.

  • Board terminating an employee for a minor mistake → example of group polarisation.

  • Personal decision not to participate in school prayer → this is an individual decision, not a group-based shift.