Groupthink theory is the psychological phenomenon in which groups working on a task think along the same lines, which could have drastic consequences. This results from group polarization where discussions are enhanced or exaggerate the initial leanings of the group’s decision. Therefore, if a group leans towards a risky situation at the beginning on average they will move toward an even riskier position later. (Marks, 2015). The concept that everyone thinks the same question is anyone really thinking. These drastic consequences come from individuals trying to avoid conflict with one another and being highly cohesive give way to questionable decision making (Oliver, 2013). This theory seems to new concept, Houghton Mifflin publication of Victims …show more content…
The previous films in the saga had made enormous amounts of money for the studio and fans of the film citing George Lucas as a genius. In the creation of episode I, the studio had given Lucas creative freedom unlike the previous films. Although the studio still wanted it stay on budget but they did not question Lucas story elements. Also needed to follow deadline which caused a stressful situation for individuals involved. The production of the movie would fall under the collective optimism as everyone was exhilarated for the film, so no conflict arose. One of the questionable decisions was the casting of Anakin Skywalker, out of the three finalist two showed possible potential in portray him but they were not chosen. Lucas said “one would make production easier, the other I would need to have a million takes to then elevate the performance” there is a collective of agreement from almost everyone in the room with someone stating that “some people test better” (Star Wars, 2014). No one question why he wanted to create a performance in post-production instead of letting it happen on film. The other problem is that Lucas was in charge and stating what he wanted to come across and making sure every department made it happen not leaving much room for discussion, such as the sets or costume designs. Lastly, no one seemed to question the racial stereotypes that were attributed to aliens even though it could be clearly be
However the film had some flaws. The beginning failed at establishing strong characters. Most of the characters in the film had no in depth personality and instead were just objects to push the story forward. On the other hand, the ending of the film was very effective. It lead well into the beginning of A New Hope. It ends with the rebels fleeing from Vader while A New Hope begins with Darth Vader boarding the rebels ship. Also the audience got an explanation to why the Death Star was so easy to destroy. Galen Erso designed the planet killer with a flaw in the the center of the star. This allowed the rebels to easily blow it up in A New Hope. Rogue One accomplishes its main goal of developing a story outside of the normal episodes in the
Are you a self-reliant individual, or do you generate more ideas while working in a group? Groupthink has always been the dysfunctional idea that results from within a group that seeks harmony and conformity. Groupthink has been seen in Salem, MA, specifically in The Crucible, where townsfolk would go around accusing women, often innocent, of witchcraft. It has also been seen during the Red Scare, where Senator McCarthy would create a list of celebrities and other well-known people that he would accuse of being communists in the United States. At the time, Americans were against the idea of the communists and communism due to the fact that the Soviet Union, which had a communist government, was threatening to bomb the US. Thus, anyone who was
Turman, P. (October 13, 2000b). Group Decision Making & Problem Solving: Group Communication [Lecture] Cedar Falls, IA. University of Northern Iowa, Communication Studies Department.
Motion Pictures have always had a strong influence in today’s culture, but maybe none as prevalent as Star Wars. Originating with Episode 4 A New Hope, the series boomed from 1977 to 2005 with yet another addition coming in 2015. The strongest of the series was the original trilogy episodes 4, 5, and 6, all generally released in the 1980s. As one of the strongest film francaises still today, it’s impact within the 1980s was only the tip of the iceberg. Children and adults alike still anticipate the new edition of this seemingly endless journey. If any singular film series still holds prevalence in its future decades it is Star Wars: Original Trilogy.
Numerous cases in history show that identification with a particular group can lead to dreadful outcomes. Together, with historical evidence, classic psychological studies tell a very powerful story. Decent people can take on oppressive roles and succumb to oppressive leaders. However, people often resist tyranny, and their resistance tends to be most effective when it is collective.
Lucas the chance to make a foothold in the film industry, and he certainly did.
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 of norms and central leadership, in addition social background of group members. The third, situational context includes the circumstances of the groups meeting, social roles and expected behavior. This notion is exemplified during the movie, "12 Angry Men". The purpose of this essay is to examine the movie content to display the groupthink symptoms in place. Groupthink consists of eight major factors that occur during the film's scenes, as the twelve men debate a premeditated murder court case. All of the factors continue to rise as the jury discusses the young man's fate. During the film, a unanimous vote must be reached, despite this one man refuses to vote guilty. In 1957 the Orson Welles directed film opens as the judge explains the case and its severity. Soon after the group forms as the 12 men enter the jury discussion room. During these scene frames, the case evidence is explained. As the men talk they give details of an old man living beneath the boy testified, that he heard a fight, stat...
Groupthink was coined by Janis and is defined as “a psychological phenomenon in which people strive for consensus within a group”(Cherry). So people will essentially forgo their beliefs to conform to the group to obtain harmony or if they don’t agree with a group idea they will simply keep quiet about it rather than challenge ideas. Janis classified eight different “symptoms” of groupthink. They are Illusions of invulnerability, which leads the members of the group to take part in risk-taking and become overly optimistic. Unquestioned beliefs, leads the members to ignore the possible aftermath that their decisions can make. Rationalizing, hinders members from recognizing warning signs and from reexamining their own beliefs. Stereotyping, leads the members of the group to criticize or write off any other group who may have differing opinions. Self-censorship, makes group members who may have differing opinions not disclose them to the group. "Mindguards",certain members of the group who are self-appointed censors that withhold information they find may disrupt group consensus. Illusions of unanimity, leads the members of the group to think that everyone believes the same things. Direct pressure, this is put on members to conform when they do end up expressing their own opinions or the rest of the group feels as if they are having differing opinions. Janis’s work was influential because it helped us examine the
Groupthink relates to the movie The Ghost of Abu Ghraib because Military Intelligence were a cohesive group, so what one did they all did. Even though most of the Military Police didn’t believe what they were doing to the detainees were humanely correct, they did it anyways because their higher rank told them to do it. If they were telling them to do these violent acts, then they must have been okay in doing. Intelligence wanted the information quickly and this was one of the reason why they interrogated the detainees. The military police were angry and everyone wanted answers. The higher ranked intelligence guys thought abuse was the way to get the answers they needed and quickly. The textbook, ORGB, mentions illusions of invulnerability, which is when group members feel that they are above criticism, leading to risk taking. One of the top intelligence guys, Corporal Graner, was hungry for the power. Abusing the detainees made he feel powerful, so he did it more and
There are eight symptoms of groupthink. The first symptom is when all or most of the group view themselves as invincible which causes them to make decisions that may be risky. The group has an enormous amount of confidence and authority in their decisions as well as in themselves. They see themselves collectively better in all ways than any other group and they believe the event will go well not because of what it is, but because they are involved. The second symptom is the belief of the group that they are moral and upstanding, which leads the group to ignore the ethical or moral consequences of the decisions. The group engages in a total overestimation of its morality. There is never any question that the group is not doing the right thing, they just act. The disregarding of information or warnings that may lead to changes in past policy is the third symptom. Even if there is considerable evidence against their standpoint, they see no problems with their plan. Stereotyping of enemy leaders or others as weak or stupid is the fourth symptom. This symptom leads to close-mindedness to other individuals and their opinions. The fifth symptom is the self-censorship of an individual causing him to overlook his doubts. A group member basically keeps his mouth shut so the group can continue in harmony. Symptom number six refers to the illusion of unanimity; going along with the majority, and the assumption that silence signifies consent. Sometimes a group member who questions the rightness of the goals is pressured by others into concurring or agreeing, this is symptom number seven. The last symptom is the members that set themselves up as a buffer to protect the group from adverse information that may destroy their shared contentment regarding the group’s ...
This experiment was originally tested by Muzafer Sherif is a famous social psychologist who worked on understanding groups and their members. This experiment is to test his Realistic Conflict Theory. The Realistic Conflict Theory studies, “group conflict, negative prejudices, and stereotypes as being the result of competition between groups for desired resources” (McLeod). This study of group conflict and cooperation shows how groups favor their own members, and how in group conflict can be resolved by groups working together on a common task that neither group can complete without the help of the other group. This is proven in this experiment when two groups have to work together to solve a given problem.
George Lucas wrote and directed Star Wars, he had tons of creative and production control just like Hitchcock. Furthermore, the film demonstrates his aesthetic vision through recurring themes of good verse evil, heroes fighting for good and saving the day. Lastly, the film demonstrates thematic and stylistic consistencies to create the meaningful narrative. One thing that stands out from Star Wars that illustrates George Lucas’ control over the production is the credits. He did not want the credits at the beginning of the film so the audience can focus on the narrative. In the late 1950’s the auteur theory was introduced to filmmaking which created a new way of making films. Auteur theory went against the classical narrative by focusing on realism. Auteur films had ambiguous endings, which deeper into the character’s physiological state. Even though, Star Wars demonstrates certain auteur elements, it does not go against the classical narrative. To conclude, Star Wars mixed classical Hollywood techniques with the auteur theory that lead to a different and unique way of making a
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a new beggining to the franchise, bringing a fresh start for old and new viewers. When Disney acquired rights, many fans were furious and many believed the series would be ruined. J.J. Abrams proved them otherwise.
Working in groups is challenging at times. Other times it is very rewarding. We are so focused on life that we do not take time to reflect on things as much as we should. Being in a Groups class has opened my eyes to a whole new world. I have begun to question, explore, and even understand how things work. I even get how they work sometimes. Not only is there a process involved in making individual decisions, process is involved in group decisions as well. This paper attempts give insight into my reflection of my group decision process.
Several experiments and researches have been conducted that have focused on how people behave in groups. The findings have revealed that groups affect peoples’ attitudes, behavior and perceptions. Groups are essential for personal life, as well as in work life.