AAMC FL Practice Exam

Group Polarization occurs when:

1. Group members maintain diverse opinions

2. Individuals refuse to compromise

3. Similar-minded individuals strengthen their views after discussion

4. Group cohesion is prioritized over task objectives

The correct answer is: Similar-minded individuals strengthen their views after discussion

Group polarization refers to the phenomenon where individuals in a group, who already share similar opinions or attitudes, move towards a more extreme version of those views after engaging in discussion. This occurs because members reinforce each other's beliefs, leading to a collective enhancement of those shared viewpoints. In situations where like-minded individuals come together, the discussions often focus on confirming their pre-existing beliefs, which can amplify their opinions significantly. They may express more extreme positions than they held individually, thereby increasing the intensity of their views. This is a notable aspect of social dynamics, as it illustrates the influence of group interactions on individual perspectives. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of group polarization. Maintaining diverse opinions would be counterproductive to the concept, as it relies on agreement and shared beliefs. Refusing to compromise suggests conflict rather than consensus, and prioritizing group cohesion over task objectives does not directly lead to the intensification of shared views but may instead lead to unproductive results in decision-making processes.