Groupthink

1. The primary groups I belong to would include most importantly my family. My family and I are very close and we get along very well. We always have a lot of fun together and we obviously know each other very well. A more recent primary group that has formed would be my college roommates. Since we are living together we spend a lot of time together and have gotten to know one another very well. We even still talk and hangout when we are away for the summer, which is why I would consider them part of my primary group.

A secondary group that I belong to would be the computer science class at the University of Northern Iowa. This is a perfect example because many of use share numerous classes together, but we don’t have any emotional ties. We see each other many times a week, but it is goal oriented, and we are simply there to learn which is what makes it a secondary group.

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Groupthink can be dangerous because it could cause a group to become close-minded on certain issues. Someone could state an opinion within a group and everyone may just agree and not put much thought into other ideas or issues. It is important to look at all ideas and viewpoints to get the best possible answer, and if groupthink takes place everyone may just conform and adopt a narrow view rather than looking at the big picture. People may also feel as though they can’t contribute to the group because they have a different viewpoint than other members. In my own experience, I feel as though groupthink tends to happen more in a group of people who don’t know each other very well. If you are familiar with the group and feel comfortable around them, you don’t feel the pressure to agree with everything they are saying. When assigned groups in a college class for example, you aren’t as familiar with the members and may feel as though you shouldn’t state your opinion if it is conflicting because you don’t want to upset the members you don’t know very