Suppose That You Are Part of a Small Religious Discussion

question 20

Short Answer

Suppose that you are part of a small religious discussion group and that, after several months in the group, you start to notice some disturbing patterns in the group's behaviors: Everyone always agrees with one another; no one ever expresses disagreements; outside views are shunned; and the group seems to feel that it is invulnerable and morally superior to other groups. If you have a good memory for your social psychology reading, then you should suspect that your group is suffering from ____________________.

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Definitions:

Realistic Conflict Theory

A social psychology theory that proposes that intergroup conflict arises from competition for limited resources.

Prisoner's Dilemma

A situation in game theory where two individuals acting in their own self-interest do not result in the optimal outcome, illustrating the conflict between individual and collective rationality.

Social Dilemmas

Situations in which short term personal gain is at odds with the long-term good of the group.

Common Good

A concept that suggests certain goods, advantages, or benefits should be shared among all members of a society or community.