Final answer:
Groupthink refers to a mode of thinking where group cohesion and unanimity overshadow critical thinking and effective decision-making. Symptoms include self-censorship and the illusion of unanimity, which can be mitigated by strategies that encourage open dialogue and critical evaluation of all viewpoints. Group polarization can exacerbate the effects of groupthink, leading to more extreme group decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term “refers to a collective pattern of thinking that hinders effective group decisions” is groupthink. Groupthink occurs when the desire for harmony or conformity in a group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. It often happens because group members value unanimity and may suppress dissenting viewpoints or fail to critically analyze alternative ideas, leading to poor decision-making.
There are identifiable symptoms of groupthink, such as the illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, belief in inherent morality of the group, stereotyping out-groups, direct pressure on dissenters, self-censorship, the illusion of unanimity, and protective myths. These symptoms contribute to ineffective decision-making and can be prevented through techniques that foster open communication and critical thinking.
Moreover, group polarization can compound the effects of groupthink, which occurs when group discussions amplify the group's initial inclinations, leading to more extreme positions and sometimes further ostracizing opposing viewpoints. This can be particularly evident in situations where there is a strong in-group bias or in highly homogeneous groups where conformity is valued over dissent.