Final answer:
Group polarization refers to the tendency of a group to form a consensus on a more extreme position following discussion of an issue. It can contribute to a deeper societal divide and is an important factor in collective decision-making. Mitigating strategies include seeking diverse viewpoints and weighing all evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Group polarization is the phenomenon where the discussions within a group tend to lead to an exaggeration of the group's initial tendencies, resulting in a shift to more extreme positions. For example, if members of a group have a slight inclination towards a particular viewpoint before a discussion, after exchanging views and arguments, the group as a whole is likely to adopt a much stronger stance towards that viewpoint. This is a key aspect of group dynamics and explains why groups sometimes make decisions that are more extreme than any individual member would have made alone.
One way to mitigate group polarization, especially when considering the negative impact of groupthink, is for the group to actively seek diverse opinions, withhold initial position statements, and carefully weigh all evidence and viewpoints before reaching a consensus. These strategies help in avoiding the conformity and uniformity that often come with groupthink, which can lead to suboptimal or even damaging decisions.
Understanding group polarization is crucial when examining political parties, ideological factions, and any collective decision-making behavior where homogeneity and reinforcement of shared beliefs can lead to pronounced divisions or polarization in society.