please explain group polarization
A number of munchkins got together for a picnic. Half of them wanted pizza, and the other half wanted salad. So the half that wanted pizza went to the north pole, and the half that wanted salad went to the south pole.
And that, is group polarization, but is probably not the correct answer you're looking for.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_polarization
Group polarization refers to the tendency for a group to make more extreme decisions or adopt more extreme opinions than the initial views held by individual group members. In simple terms, group polarization means that a group's decision or opinion tends to be more extreme than the individual opinions of group members.
Now, let me explain how group polarization occurs:
1. Confirmation Bias: Group polarization often arises from confirmation bias, which is the tendency to favor information that confirms one's existing beliefs or opinions. When people engage in group discussions, they naturally seek out information and arguments that support their initial views. This reinforcement of existing beliefs can lead to the amplification of opinions within the group.
2. Information Sharing: During group discussions, individuals share their opinions and arguments with others. This sharing of information can lead to a "competition" of ideas, where people try to outdo each other with more extreme arguments or opinions. As people witness others' level of commitment or enthusiasm towards a particular viewpoint, they might feel inclined to adopt a more extreme stance themselves.
3. Social Comparison: Social comparison is another factor contributing to group polarization. People tend to compare themselves with others in order to establish their own position or identity within a group. If they perceive others as having more extreme opinions, they might adjust their own views to match or surpass them, leading to a heightened polarization effect.
4. Risky Shift: Group polarization can also be influenced by the "risky shift" phenomenon. This means that when individuals feel less personally accountable for a decision due to being part of a group, they may be more willing to take greater risks or endorse more extreme choices than they would on their own.
Overall, group polarization occurs as a result of confirmation bias, information sharing, social comparison, and the risky shift phenomenon. It is important to be aware of this phenomenon to ensure that group decisions are based on rational and well-informed choices rather than simply adopting more extreme positions.