Group Think is more likely to occur under which conditions?

• A. Group Think arises when groups heavily debate outsiders' opinions and respect dissent.
• B. Group Think is more likely when there is strong group cohesion and insulation from outside opinions.
• C. Group Think is associated with explicit decision rules and formal procedures.
• D. Group Think occurs when there is diverse background and external input.

Answer: (B)

Groupthink happens when a group values harmony and agreement over critical evaluation. The strongest driver among the options is a situation where the group is tightly knit (high cohesion) and shielded from outside opinions (insulated from external input). When members are highly cohesive, they tend to steer toward consensus to maintain unity, and insulation means there are few checks from outsiders to challenge assumptions. This combination makes dissenters hesitant to speak up, risks overlooking alternative viewpoints, and can lead to premature or flawed decisions.

If outsiders are routinely debated or dissent is respected, or if there are explicit rules and formal procedures, those conditions can encourage critical discussion and guard against groupthink. Similarly, diverse backgrounds and external input bring fresh perspectives that counter conformity, reducing the likelihood of groupthink.