AAMC FL Practice Exam

What term describes the enhancement of a group's prevailing inclinations through discussion?

1. Group think

2. Group polarization

3. Social facilitation

4. Group dynamics

The correct answer is: Group polarization

The term that describes the enhancement of a group's prevailing inclinations through discussion is group polarization. This phenomenon occurs when, after group discussions, members of a group tend to shift toward a more extreme position on an issue than they initially held. This effect can arise due to several reasons, such as individuals within the group reinforcing each other's beliefs or being exposed to new arguments that amplify their initial stance. In contrast, the other terms listed do not capture this specific dynamic. Groupthink refers to a situation where a group prioritizes consensus and harmony over critical analysis, often leading to poor decision-making. Social facilitation denotes the improved performance of individuals when they are in the presence of others, particularly in tasks they are already good at. Group dynamics is a broader term that encompasses all types of interactions and processes that occur within a group, but it does not specifically refer to the shift towards more extreme positions following discussion. Therefore, group polarization aptly describes the enhancement of a group's prevailing inclinations through discussion.