Final answer:
Scott is likely affected by confirmation bias and groupthink, as he favors information that supports the production team's decision and avoids disrupting group consensus, rather than being influenced by cognitive dissonance. The correct option is (4)
Step-by-step explanation:
Scott is exhibiting behavior that may be influenced by confirmation bias and groupthink. Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias where an individual tends to search for, interpret, and recall information that confirms their existing beliefs or hypotheses. In the case described, Scott ignores evidence that contradicts the production team's claims, indicating that he may be demonstrating confirmation bias by favoring information that aligns with the decision already accepted by the group. Furthermore, the concept of groupthink involves the desire for harmony and conformity within a group, which can result in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. Scott's unwillingness to present counter-evidence may also be a sign that he is succumbing to groupthink, as he prioritizes consensus over critical evaluation of information.
Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort experienced when holding two contradicting thoughts or beliefs, or when attitudes and actions are not aligned. However, in Scott's case, it seems there's no indication of him experiencing discomfort from the contradiction; hence, cognitive dissonance may not be the prominent influence here. Therefore, Scott is more likely being adversely influenced by a combination of confirmation bias and groupthink