What is "groupthink" in psychological terms?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a group prioritizes harmony and consensus over critical analysis and individual opinions. This often leads to irrational decision-making, as members suppress dissenting viewpoints and fail to consider alternative options. The drive for cohesiveness can result in a lack of thorough evaluation of ideas, ultimately diminishing the quality of group decisions.

In the context of the provided options, the focus on avoiding conflict and reaching an agreement can lead teams to overlook important information or make suboptimal choices. This dynamic illustrates how the desire for unity can impair the group’s ability to think critically and explore all possible solutions or perspectives. Thus, the understanding of groupthink emphasizes the importance of encouraging open dialogue and critical thinking within group settings to avoid the pitfalls of conformity and flawed decision-making.