Risky-shift Phenomenon and Group Polarization

The aim of the present essay is to examine the strengths and the weaknesses of the “Informational Influence” theory and the “Cultural Value” theory, which are the two major theoretical accounts that attempted to explain the phenomenon of the risky-shift in group processes. At first, the introductory paragraph is concerned with the discovery of the phenomenon followed by a brief description of the two theories. Secondly, empirical evidence in support of the two theories is provided along with a critical analysis. In addition, a short paragraph of this essay is concerned with the evaluation of the methodology which was applied since the 1960s for the study of the risky-shift phenomena.

In Social Psychology, the extensive body of research on intra-group behaviours and small-group processes led to the discovery of a phenomenon that was at first described by Stoner (1961) as the risky-shift. The risky-shift phenomenon refers to the tendency toward riskier alternatives occurring when individuals make decisions as members of a group, rather than when individuals make decisions alone. Moreover, it was observed that members of a group tend toward more extreme alternatives before engaging in group discussion; this tendency is known as group polarization (Stoner, 1961).

During the 1960s and 1970s, Stoner’s (1961) findings had a huge impact on subsequent research on the dynamics of groups toward risky and cautious shifts in judgement comparing individuals’ opinions before and after group discussion.

An extensive use of quantitative research methods was employed in order to study the risky-shift phenomena. In fact, the tool of research that was applied to conduct the studies described in this essay was the Choice-Dilemma Questionnaire, ...

... middle of paper ...

...& Baron, R. S. Is social comparison irrelevant for producing choice shifts? Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 1977, 13, 303-314.

Seymour, F. Risky shift in a naturalistic setting. Journal of Personality, 1972, 1, 38-40.

Smith, H. D. (1973). Confucius. New York: Scribner.

Stoner, J. A. F. (1961). A comparison of individual and group decisions involving risk. Unpublished master's thesis. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Cambridge, MA.

Teger, A. I., & Pruitt, D. G. Components of group risk taking. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 1967, 3, 189-205.

Wallach. M. A.. & Kogan. N. (1965). The roles of information, discussion, and consensus in group risk-taking. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, I. 1-19.

Zajonc, R. B. The attitudinal effects of mere exposure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1968, 9, l-27.