Asch's study indicated that individuals are more likely to resist conforming to group pressure if they have at least one ally. Groupthink can lead to irrational decisions due to a desire for harmony, while group polarization strengthens a group's initial stance. Diverse opinions and encouraged dissent can mitigate these effects.
In Asch's study on conformity, it was revealed that the chances of an individual speaking up against a group's consensus were higher when there was just one other person presenting an incorrect answer, as compared to five or six people supporting the wrong stance.
Subjects were more likely to maintain their correct answers when they had at least one ally who also dissented. This refers to the psychological tendency groupthink, where the desire for harmony in a group may result in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome.
Group polarization is another related concept, in which discussions within a cohesive group often lead to the strengthening of the original position. If a group initially has a certain stance, the consensus after discussion is likely to be an even stronger endorsement or opposition to the viewpoint.
However, groupthink can often suppress opposing opinions, leading to a lack of balance in decision making. To avoid groupthink, strategies such as seeking outside opinions, private voting, and a leader withholding their view can be effective. Overall, having diverse voices and an environment that encourages dissent can lead to more robust and well-rounded group decisions.
The complete question is probably:
How does the phenomenon described as "a result of having so many opinions available in a situation that society loses the value of silent listening" contribute to a situation where the group agrees with one individual because no one wants to speak out?