Group Polarization and Campers: What Will Happen Next?

What are the likely outcomes of group polarization among the campers discussing the prank?

A) Increased caution among the campers

B) Enhanced group cohesion

C) Greater willingness to carry out the idea

D) Improved communication skills

Final answer:

Group polarization can lead to enhanced group cohesion and a greater willingness to carry out actions if the group leans towards that standpoint. It also could potentially cause increased caution if the general viewpoint were not in favor of the proposed action.

Explanation: Group polarization is the concept that explains what happens when group attitudes intensify after discussing views within the group. In the case of the campers, the likely outcomes would be B) Enhanced group cohesion and C) Greater willingness to carry out the idea. This is because in group contexts, the group attitudes often become more radical as individuals are more likely to lean towards the dominant viewpoint, which in this scenario would be to prank the other cabin. This is also tied to groupthink, wherein group members may suppress opposing ideas in order to maintain a perceived consensus. Therefore, the polarization may lead to a more solidified group viewpoint and an increased willingness to follow through. Lastly, A) Increased caution among the campers could potentially occur if the playful, risky idea was not the dominant viewpoint within the group, but a slight majority opinion which, after group discussion, might become less popular due to group polarization.