Understanding Groupthink in Social Psychology

In social psychology, group dynamics refer to the behavioral and psychological processes that occur within a group. When individuals come together in a group, their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings can be influenced by the presence of others. A common phenomenon observed in groups is called 'groupthink'. Groupthink is a phenomenon where the desire for harmony and conformity in a group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making.

Consider the following scenario: A team of doctors is discussing the treatment options for a patient. One doctor expresses a strong opinion about a specific treatment, and rather than debate the merits of different approaches, the rest of the team quickly agrees to the suggested treatment. This situation exemplifies groupthink, as the team’s desire to maintain consensus overrides their critical thinking.

What is the key characteristic of groupthink as illustrated in the scenario?