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.

Select the correct statement regarding group polarisation:

Options:

Groups are more likely to take extreme decisions than individuals alone.

People put less individual effort.

People perform better in the presence of the audience.

Making the efforts of each member identifiable minimises the group polarisation.

Correct Answer:

Groups are more likely to take extreme decisions than individuals alone.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) → Groups are more likely to take extreme decisions than individuals alone.

Group polarisation refers to the tendency of groups to make more extreme decisions than individuals would make alone. In the passage, the group shifted from demotion (moderate decision) to termination (extreme decision).