When the Committee Discussion Begins, Three People Are Strongly in Favor

question 148

Multiple Choice

When the committee discussion begins, three people are strongly in favor of hiring Band A to play at the fall dance and three people are somewhat in favor of hiring Band A. Two people are somewhat in favor of hiring Band B. If group polarization is at work, what is the most likely decision of the group after an hour of discussion?

• A) Hire Band A.
• B) Hire Band B.
• C) Go looking for another band to break the stalemate.
• D) No decision will be made.

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Definitions:

Persuasion

The process of changing someone's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors through argument, entreaty, or explanation.

Fear Appeals

A persuasive communication strategy that aims to scare people into changing their behavior by presenting a frightening outcome.

Asch's Research

Asch's research focused on social psychology, notably through experiments on conformity, demonstrating how group pressure could influence individuals to conform even when the group judgment was clearly incorrect.