Groupthink: the Asch experiment

Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when a group of well-intentioned people makes irrational or non-optimal decisions spurred by the urge to conform or the belief that dissent is impossible. The problematic or premature consensus that is characteristic of groupthink may be fueled by a particular agenda—or it may be due to group members valuing harmony and coherence above critical thought.Show more

The Solomon Asch Experiment were a series of experiments conducted by during the 1950s to show how a person's opinions are influenced when in the group environment. Asch found that people were willing to ignore reality and give an incorrect answer in order to conform .

Asch found the same results: participants conformed to the majority group in about one-third of all critical trials. Asch found that the presence of a "true partner" (a "real" participant or another actor told to give the correct response to each question) decreased conformity.

What causes groupthink?
Many factors can cause groupthink, but some of the most important include charismatic leadership, direct and indirect pressure to conform, self-censorship, stress, and a strong group identity.

What are groupthink symptoms?
Symptoms of groupthink include an unwillingness to question the authority of a group's leader, decisions that are irrational or illogical, highly emotional thinking, and a lack of ability on the part of group members to ask questions.

See Also: The Milgram Shock Experiment
https://youtu.be/qV9Hq5nSB5Y
An experiment focusing on the conflict between obedience to authority and personal conscience. Milgram (1963) examined justifications for acts of genocide offered by those accused at the World War II, Nuremberg War Criminal trials.