Riya mildly favours a ban on firecrackers during Diwali. She joins an online group where almost every member backs the ban. She comes across no new reasons in the group's posts, and she does not see herself as one of its members. Still, finding that most people think as she does, she now supports the ban strongly. Which reason for group polarisation does this situation show?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Feeling that her view is validated by the public, a bandwagon effect
Option (1) Feeling that her view is validated by the public, a bandwagon effect — Correct. Seeing that most people share her view makes Riya feel it is validated by the public. This bandwagon effect is one of the three reasons for group polarisation.
Option (2) Hearing newer arguments that favour her own viewpoint — Incorrect. Newer arguments strengthen a view when like-minded people offer fresh reasons. Riya met no new reasons, so this is not the cause.
Option (3) Identifying with like-minded people as an ingroup and conforming to them — Incorrect. This reason works when a person sees like-minded people as an ingroup and conforms to them. Riya does not identify with the group, so it does not apply.
Option (4) Pressure for agreement that silences doubts, as in groupthink — Incorrect. Groupthink is a cohesive group's push for agreement that leads to poor decisions. It is a separate group effect.
NCERT (2026-27): “Group Polarisation … “• In the company of like-minded people, you are likely to hear newer arguments favouring your viewpoints. This will make you more favourable towards capital punishment.” “• When you find others also favouring capital punishment, you feel that this view is validated by the public. This is a sort of bandwagon effect.” “• When you find people having similar views, you are likely to perceive them as ingroup. You start identifying with the group, begin showing conformity, and as a consequence your views become strengthened.” |