What concept describes group members trying to minimize conflict and reach a consensus decision without critically evaluating alternatives?

• A. Brainstorming
• B. Groupthink
• C. Social loafing
• D. Normative influence

Answer: (B)

Groupthink happens when the group’s strong desire for harmony and agreement leads members to avoid conflict, suppress dissent, and skip thorough evaluation of alternatives. In this mindset, people go along with the perceived consensus rather than challenge ideas, which makes the group reach a quick agreement but often despite poor or flawed reasoning. The situation is more than just not liking disagreement—it's a systemic bias where critical scrutiny is sacrificed to maintain cohesion, and warning signs are rationalized away.

This differs from brainstorming, which focuses on generating many ideas and encouraging free thinking before evaluation, so it doesn’t describe the avoidance of critical appraisal. Social loafing refers to individuals exerting less effort in a group than alone, not the pressure to conform and suppress critique. Normative influence is about conforming to fit in or be liked, which can lead to agreement, but groupthink specifically centers on suppressing critical evaluation to maintain consensus.