Difference Between Group Polarization and Groupthink

Group polarization and groupthink are two phrases in social psychology whereby some differences can be recognized. Before pointing out the differences, we will first describe the two phrases. Group polarization is described as a situation where the perspectives and determinations of individuals in the group show up much more substantial than in reality. On the other hand, groupthink is described as a situation whereby group members reach a conclusion established on the tension from the group since they place their beliefs and assumptions aside. The primary difference between the two indicates that, in group polarization, the priority is on improving a belief within a group; hence in groupthink, the focus is on group consensus. This article elucidates this difference more.

What is Group Polarization?

Group polarization is described as a condition whereby the perspective or determinations of individuals in the group shows up much more substantial in reality. When trying to understand this in much simpler notions. When individuals with various beliefs on a subject come together, we predict that conversations of these distinctions are suitable for modifying people’s thoughts via the exhibition of realities and different information. However, based on social scientists, this only occurs in such conditions. On the other hand, individuals tend to stand by their beliefs or assumptions in an ever more robust method, which causes their viewpoint to be much more extreme than in facts. This can be known through a simple illustration. For a conversation, individuals who endorse abortion and individuals against abortion are placed together. It must be pointed out that every person possesses a reasonable belief at the initial conversation. Hence, at the end of the conversation, it is evident that both groups acquired an extreme perspective on the subject that was not there at the beginning stage. Social psychologist points out that group polarization is an instant outcome of unity. As human beings are social creatures, their charm to be acknowledged and belong to a group is very substantial, which can lead to group polarization.

What is Groupthink?

Groupthink is described as a situation whereby members of a group reach decisions founded on the tensions from the group as they place their beliefs and assumptions aside. This can also have to do with keeping mute and not expressing confidential assumptions so one does not have to disagree with the group. This phrase was stamped by the social psychologist Irving Janis in 1972. Based on Janis, there are primarily eight indications of groupthink. These have to do with the illusion of invulnerability, which has to do with excessive optimism of members; unquestioned opinions, which have to do with dismissing moral difficulties and groups and personal actions; rationalization, which has to do with preventing the member from reconsidering his beliefs, stereotyping which has to do with dismissing the out-group members who possess the possibility to question the opinions of the group, self-censorship which has to do with hiding fears, mind guards which include the concealment of information that keep issues, an illusion of unanimity which deals with assuming that everyone approves, and direct pressure. One may have experienced these at some moments in their life. For example, contemplating a group project that an individual had to perform in school. There may have been conditions whereby the individual did not voice their beliefs, although they discovered the plan was not great. This is primarily because they did not want to annoy anyone in the group or did not want to stop the harmony of the group.