With reference to the reasons for group polarisation among like-minde…

With reference to the reasons for group polarisation among like-minded people choose the correct statements.

(A) Group polarisation occurs as they feel that their perspective is validated by the public

(B) Group polarisation occurs as they start identifying with each other after perceiving them as a group

(D) Group polarisation occurs as a result of group discussion which strengthens one’s initial position

(E) Group polarisation occurs as a result of pessimistic attitude towards own self

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (B), (D) only

Group polarisation is the strengthening of the group’s initial position as a result of group interaction and discussion.

(A) Group polarisation occurs as they feel that their perspective is validated by the public Correct. When you find others also favouring your view, you feel that this view is validated by the public, a sort of bandwagon effect.

(B) Group polarisation occurs as they start identifying with each other after perceiving them as a group Correct. When you find people having similar views, you perceive them as ingroup, start identifying with the group and conforming to it, and your views become stronger.

(C) Group polarisation occurs as they have a heterogenous thought process Incorrect. Polarisation arises among like-minded people, whose views are similar; a heterogeneous mix of views would pull a group apart, not push it further in one direction.

(D) Group polarisation occurs as a result of group discussion which strengthens one’s initial position Correct. In discussion with like-minded people one hears newer arguments favouring one’s viewpoint, so the initial position becomes much stronger.

(E) Group polarisation occurs as a result of pessimistic attitude towards own self Incorrect. Polarisation comes from growing confidence in a shared view; a pessimistic attitude towards oneself would weaken one’s position, not strengthen it.

NCERT (2025-26): “Group Polarisation … This strengthening of the group’s initial position as a result of group interaction and discussion is referred to as group polarisation. This may sometimes have dangerous repercussions as groups may take extreme positions, i.e. from very weak to very strong decisions. Why does group polarisation occur? Let us take an example whether capital punishment should be there. Suppose you favour capital punishment for heinous crimes, what would happen if you were interacting with and discussing this issue with like-minded people? After this interaction, your views may become stronger. This firm conviction is because of the following three reasons: •

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.…”