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Groupthink and Group polarization; Optimism and realism

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1. Groupthink and group polarization are influences that often cause groups to reach different solutions to a problem than individuals. Explain each concept and discuss the conditions that are thought to lead to each. How might the presence of others and institutional groupthink impact helping those who are less fortunate?

2. Are you better off being an optimist (perhaps a Pollyanna) or is it better to be a realist (grounded in reality) as far as your health and well-being are concerned? Why?

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This document attempt to answer how groupthink and group polarization affect helping others as well as whether one should be an optimist or realist.

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Hello. I trust that the attached document is helpful as you answer your questions. Please note that we do not write full papers for students to turn in as their own, however, we do provide assistance in gathering ideas, understanding concepts, and pointing you in the direction of other sources that might help you. Best of luck!

1. Groupthink and group polarization are influences that often cause groups to reach different solutions to a problem than individuals. Explain each concept and discuss the conditions that are thought to lead to each. How might the presence of others and institutional groupthink impact helping those who are less fortunate?

Psychologists for Social Responsibility define groupthink as occurring "when a group makes faulty decisions because group pressures lead to a deterioration of "mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment". Irving Janis first developed this concept. ...

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