Question

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: What is the central idea of groupthink as discussed in the passage?

Group thinking, often referred to as groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically. It frequently leads to flawed decision-making because dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized. Social conformity, its close ally, describes the act of aligning one's beliefs or behaviours with those of a majority, often subconsciously, in pursuit of acceptance or avoidance of conflict. In tightly knit groups- such as corporate boards, political committees, or academic panels-individual members may refrain from expressing contrarian ideas, fearing ostracization or reputational risk. Over time, this collective homogeneity breeds intellectual stagnation, reducing innovation and enhancing vulnerability to strategic errors. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink. Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk. In modern society, the same instinct manifests through peer pressure, organizational culture, and digital echo chambers. Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought. However, the remedy to such cognitive myopia lies in institutionalizing dissent. Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision. Promoting a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded can lead to more robust, balanced, and resilient decision-making. In an age dominated by viral trends, polarized discourse, and performative alignment, the courage to question consensus is both rare and essential. True progress emerges not from blind allegiance to majority norms, but from critical inquiry and the audacity to challenge the comfortable.

• A. Collaborative brainstorming
• B. Valuing consensus over critique
• C. Trusting only experts
• D. Promoting decentralization

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Valuing consensus over critique

• Definition of Groupthink: The passage explicitly defines groupthink as a phenomenon where the "desire for unanimity" within a group overrides the motivation to "appraise alternative viewpoints critically".

• Suppression of Dissent: It highlights that in such groups, dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized to maintain harmony.

• Intellectual Impact: This behavior leads to "collective homogeneity" and "intellectual stagnation" because members prioritize acceptance over challenging the majority view.

• Outcome: The central theme focuses on how the pursuit of agreement (consensus) leads to flawed decision-making by ignoring divergent or contrarian ideas (critique).