The central idea of the article discusses how group behavior and phenomena such as deindividuation, groupthink, and group polarization can influence individual decision-making, sometimes leading to negative outcomes or extreme actions. The best statement is option D.
The central idea of the article appears to focus on the concept of group influence and how it affects individual behavior and decision-making. The document mentions deindividuation, which is when people may feel less accountable for their actions and lose their sense of self when in a group. It also discusses groupthink, where individuals suppress their own opinions to match the perceived group consensus, and how this can lead to extreme or faulty decisions. Additionally, the article covers the concept of group polarization, which leads to the strengthening of group opinions after discussion, potentially resulting in more extreme viewpoints and actions. All these concepts point to the powerful influence groups can exert on individuals, sometimes leading to actions and decisions that they might not undertake on their own.
The best choice that represents the central idea of the article would likely be option D: 'Group behavior is responsible for the worst atrocities in history.' This option captures the negative consequences of group influence on individual actions as discussed in the article, which includes suppression of contrary opinions, heightened extremism, and improper actions that align with group norms but go against individual morals.
Therefore, Option D is the best statement.