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MENTAL MODEL · M11679

Groupthink

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

CORE DEFINITION

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. Cohesiveness, or the desire for cohesiveness, in a group may produce a tendency among its members to agree at all costs. This causes the group to minimize conflict and reach a consensus decision without critically evaluating alternative viewpoints.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Reduce cognitive load

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome.

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Anchor fast decisions

High-cohesion groups suppress dissent in pursuit of consensus, leading to poor decisions (Janis identified eight symptoms).

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GroupthinkZH · Explicit
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