Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M5866

Groupthink

Groupthink
BehaviorHigh supportSocial Psychology
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28

CORE DEFINITION

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon in which, during the decision-making process, members tend to align their views with the group, resulting in a lack of diverse perspectives and an inability to analyze objectively. Controversial viewpoints, creative ideas, or objective opinions may not be raised, or if raised, are ignored or isolated by other group members. Groupthink can lead to unreasonable or even very bad decisions. Even if some members do not agree with the final decision, they may conform to the group under the influence of groupthink.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Reduce cognitive load

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon in which, during the decision-making process, members tend to align their views with the group, resulting in a lack of diverse perspectives and an inability to analyze objectively. Controversial viewpoints, creative ideas, or objective opinions may not be raised, or if raised, are ignored or isolated by other group members. Groupthink can lead to unreasonable or even very bad decisions.

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Anchor fast decisions

Groupthink refers to a highly cohesive, strongly directed group that suppresses dissent for the sake of consensus, leading to blindness to warnings, disregard for alternatives, and ultimately poor decisions. Janis cited examples such as the Bay of Pigs invasion.

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Source support: Explicit

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    zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%9C%98%E9%AB%94%E8%BF%B7%E6%80%9DZH · Explicit
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