AAMC FL Practice Exam

What is group polarization?

1. The tendency for individuals to isolate themselves in a group

2. Enhancement of a group's prevailing attitude through discussion

3. Decreasing the overall diversity of opinions in a group

4. The phenomenon of social loafing within teams

The correct answer is: Enhancement of a group's prevailing attitude through discussion

Group polarization refers to the phenomenon where discussions within a group lead to enhanced intensity of the group's prevailing attitudes. When individuals engage in conversations about a particular topic, their initial positions tend to shift toward a more extreme stance in the same direction. This occurs because group members often reinforce each other's views, leading to a consensus that is more extreme than individuals would adopt on their own. In many cases, this polarization can be attributed to a desire for social conformity, as individuals may feel pressure to align with the dominant sentiment expressed in the group. This process can magnify shared beliefs and attitudes, resulting in a collective decision or viewpoint that is significantly more extreme than any member might initially support independently. While the other options touch on relevant social dynamics, they do not accurately define group polarization. For example, the notion of individuals isolating themselves in a group does not address the interaction and reinforcement that typically occur leading to polarization. Decreasing the overall diversity of opinions could be a consequence of polarization, but it does not capture the core process of attitude enhancement through discourse. Lastly, social loafing pertains to the reduction of individual effort in a collective setting, which differs significantly from the idea of collective attitude intensification.