Social Theory And Social Judgement Theory

     What is groupthink? There is a simple definition for it, but is it truly that simple? The term groupthink refers to the inclination of group members to have the same opinions and beliefs; it frequently leads to mistakes. It often occurs without an individual being aware of it. Conflict is considered to be a harmful element when related to groups, but conflict is good when considering groupthink because it helps to eliminate the existence of a groupthink. The explanation sounds simple enough, but it is more complex than the description given.

Groupthink is a phenomenon that was first brought to the attention of the psychological community by a social psychologist named Irving Janis. According to Janis (1972), Groupthink happens when a group of people makes flawed decisions because group pressures lead to a breakdown of "mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment" (p. 9). Some

In the discourses of everyday human interaction, messages are crafted, communicated, received, and responded to. Social Judgement Theory argues that how the recipient of a message perceives and interprets a message, involves a process of judgment and effect that is based on the recipient’s ego (attitude) and anchoring position (opinion) about the topic. This process is key to the resulting assimilation, rejection, or persuasion of that message. Where does this theory come from and how does it work? This paper will explore how Social Judgement Theory was developed and is described, along with providing an evaluation and example of the theory in practice.

The broadcast of television and its contents have influenced society as a whole. Whether it being commercials or news incidents, the television covers it all. With the vast amount of information being introduced to a wide span of audience, the television has altered the way a person takes in the given info. Despite all the advantages of the television, it generates bias amongst its viewers and converts their attentions on a certain issue, such as politics, for better or for worse. Although the invention of the television ventures to address political issues to the world, the television manipulates information so that a negative outlook would be pronounced on a particular candidate for a presidential election.

In social psychology, and more importantly sociology, groupthink is a process by which members of a cohesive group arrive at a decision that many individual members privately believe it is unwise. Jonestown is an example of what can be considered dangerous conformity. The members of the Peoples Temple originally thought being in the organization was the right thing to do and they were making the right choices, but that day they followed their leader in drinking the cyanide Kool-Aid, some thought the ideas were unwise. Even though the members of the cult were questioning the idea in their head, they followed along with their leader. They never had a thought that Jones would do anything like what happened that

Claudia Chow Myers English 104 15 October 2014 What is Groupthink? Groupthink is a decision-making mechanism characterized by self-deception that occurs within a group. Typically, members of that group follow orders with no questions asked and suppress their own ideas to not upset the consensus.

The term groupthink in this report is defined as, the social psychological phenomenon that results in groups during pressure situations. This social psychology theory is broken down into eight signs. Illusion of invulnerability, Collective rationalization, Belief in inherent morality, Stereotyped views of out-groups, Direct pressure on dissenters, Self-censorship, Illusion of unanimity, Self-appointed “mindguards”. According to research conducted by Irving Janis, there are three conditions to groupthink. The first, "high group cohesiveness" which is the direction for a group to be in unity while working towards a goal, or to satisfy the emotional needs of its members. Secondly, the structural faults such as insulation of the group, lack

Groupthink theory often occurs without the group’s realization. Irving Janis formed 8 different symptoms that indicate groupthink. The first of these symptoms is illusions of vulnerability. This occurs when members of the group are overly optimistic and believe that nothing negative will arise from their decision. Janis describes it as taking great risks and acquiring the attitude of “everything is going to be OK, because we are a special group”. Secondly we have belief in inherent morality. This symptom is characterized as the groups thought that they could do no wrong. They believe that they have high morality, that they are right in all situations and they ignore the ethical consequences that could arise because of their decisions. As the third

The media influences how people experience social life. Media such as newspaper, television and film, are important sources of information, education and entertainment. It can be used to learn more about the world and the people in it. In this regard it can be said that the media represent, interpret and endorse aspects of social experience (O’Shaughnessy and Stadler, 2005). The media are also implicated in social regulation, or in other terms, the government of society. The media are implicated in government and politics in an obvious way because modern systems of democracy are conducted through the media. But the media have a bigger role to play in government by structuring how society is controlled and maintained.

For a variety of reasons and excuses, one student, we’ll call him Skip, always disregards his readings before his Comm 1101 class. Two theories that explain this self-destructive behavior are the Social Judgement Theory and Theory of Reasoned Action. Social Judgment Theory deals with the social context of a situation and how one’s frame of reference influences judgement. Within this theory, there are three latitudes: acceptance, rejection, and noncommitment. Past viewpoints and beliefs affect where messages land on one’s latitude scale.

Agenda Setting Theory describes how the mass media affect the public salience of issues, especially those of political importance, through the prominence and style of reporting on those issues (McCombs & Shaw, 1972, p. 177; Shaw et al., 1999, p. 14).  The degree to which a person is vulnerable to the agenda-setting function of the mass media is related to need for orientation, or the degree to which one feels compelled to have an opinion on a subject.  If one is uninformed on an issue of great interest, there is a greater vulnerability (Shaw et al., p. 10).  An individual’s assessment of salience appears to be influenced by the degree of emotional reaction to a subject, with strong negative emotions indicating that an issue is of great importance (Miller, 2007, p. 712).  Agenda Setting Theory maintains that the media provides an imperfect reflection of societal issues, often incorporating bias (McCombs & Shaw, p. 184).  For complex

The central claim of the Agenda Setting Theory explains why people with similar media exposure place importance on the same issues. Although different people may feel

Media is a huge part of people’s lives in today’s society. Through different forms of media people can now obtain vast amounts of information at the slightest touch of a finger. While it is convenient and comforting to have access to so much data, the question arises. How much of this information we receive shapes our lives? Mass media as an agent of socialization can prime and/or skew people’s belief system through mere exposure without the slightest clue of it affects. Mass media as an agent of socialization can structure people’s perception on society as a whole by simply using influence, control, and trust.

Heald, J. E. (1991). Social Judgment Theory: Applications to Educational Decision Making. Educational Administration Quarterly, 27(3), 343-57.

Heald, J. E. (1991). Social Judgment Theory: Applications to Educational Decision Making. Educational Administration Quarterly, 27(3), 343-57.