Groupthink Vs Group Polarization

What Is the Difference Between Group Polarization and Groupthink? When we join together in groups, most times we have to make decisions about something the group will do. Social psychologists have discovered tendencies which we do while making group decisions. Two of theses tendencies are group polarization and groupthink. Group polarization refers to a situation in which the attitudes or decisions of people in the group come on much stronger than in actuality. Usually when people with different opinions of a topic come together, we expect that the discussion of these differences is a method of changing opinions of individuals. In opposition, people tend to hold true to their opinion in a strong manner, making their stance more extreme.
This can cause some to keep quiet and not voice their opinion so they do not oppose against the group. According to Janis, there are eight symptoms of groupthink. Illusions of invulnerability, unquestioned beliefs, rationalization, stereotyping, self-censorship, mind guards, illusion of unanimity, and direct pressure. An example of group polarization is having a discussion about gay marriage, if you will. Those who support gay marriage are placed together and those against gay marriage are placed together. It is noted that in the beginning of the discussion all subjects have a moderate opinion and at the end of the discussion it’s clear that they take a stance about the topic that was not initial. Social psychologists emphasize the group polarization is a result of conformity. On the other hand, groupthink can be compared to a group project at school. There may have been times where someone did not voice their opinion although they did not agree with the rest of the group. This was probably because you did not want to upset anyone. Humans are drawn to being accepted in a