Assignment Overview
In history, you learned that some decisions made by leaders in a group situation were not always the right or morally correct decisions. Some examples include the atrocities of the Nazis, slavery, segregation, Watergate, cults and gangs, along with many others. How could such decisions have been made, especially within a group setting? While none of these decisions were acceptable or condoned, the concept of Groupthink helps us understand such mentality. This assignment will assist you in gaining insight into a Groupthink mentality.
In this assignment, you will describe a situation in which you were involved in a group decision-making process.
Assignment Details
Perform the following tasks:
Complete the reading assignment and the interactive lesson before attempting this assignment.
Review the table below and answer the questions on page 2.
Characteristics of Groupthink
Characteristics Description
Invulnerability Members feel they cannot fail.
Rationalization Members explain away warning signs and help each other rationalize their decision
.
Lack of introspection Members do not examine the ethical implications of their decision because they believe that they cannot make immoral choices.
Stereotyping Members stereotype their enemies as weak, stupid, or unreasonable.
Pressure Members pressure each other not to question the prevailing opinion.
Lack of disagreement Members do not express opinions that differ from the group consensus.
Self-deception Members share in the illusion that they all agree with the decision.
Insularity Members prevent the group from hearing disruptive but potentially useful information from people who are outside the group.
Your responses (approximately 250 words) must have correct spelling and grammar.
Submit Assignment.
Include the proper file naming convention: PSY101H_wk9_assn_jsmith_mmddyyyy.
Grading:
Gradable items in assignment Points
Described participation in a group decision that was not effective. 10
Described the result of the problem to be solved. 10
Described characteristics of groupthink. 10
Applied the expectations in the Written Assignment Rubric
20
Total Points 50