Week 4 – Journal

Groupthink

Prior to working on this journal,

• Review the video Conformity and Groupthink | Behavior | MCAT | Khan AcademyLinks to an external site..
• Review Chapter 11: Engaging in Group Problem-SolvingLinks to an external site.from the Small Group Communication
• Read the webpage Teamwork Isn’t Always a Good Thing: The Dangers of GroupthinkLinks to an external site..

In your Journal,

• Define groupthink.
• Describe how groupthink can hinder problem-solving in groups.

• How can groupthink be avoided?
  • Describe an experience where you encountered groupthink.
  • Explain the challenges you faced in solving problems within the group.
• How was the situation resolved?
• What could you have done more effectively?

Your reflective journal entry should contain 350–500 words.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

post_content (with guide included):
Instructions:
Before writing your journal entry, complete the following:

• Watch the video Conformity and Groupthink | Behavior | MCAT | Khan Academy.

• Read Chapter 11: Engaging in Group Problem-Solving from the Small Group Communication ebook.

• Review the article Teamwork Isn’t Always a Good Thing: The Dangers of Groupthink.

Journal Prompts:

• Define groupthink.

• Describe how groupthink can hinder group problem-solving.

  • How can it be avoided?

• Reflect on a personal or observed experience with groupthink.

  • What challenges did the group face in solving problems?

  • How was it resolved?

  • What could you or others have done more effectively?

Your journal should be 350–500 words in length.

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Groupthink Journal

Step 1: Understand the Concept
Before writing, ensure you understand groupthink by completing the assigned readings and watching the video. Take notes on:

• The definition of groupthink

• Symptoms of groupthink (e.g., illusion of unanimity, pressure to conform)

• Negative outcomes of groupthink in group decisions

• Strategies to prevent it (e.g., encouraging dissent, assigning a devil’s advocate)

Step 2: Define Groupthink (1 short paragraph)

• Use your own words to define groupthink based on what you’ve learned.

• Example: Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where the desire for group harmony leads members to suppress dissenting opinions, resulting in poor decision-making.

Step 3: Describe Its Impact on Problem-Solving (1 paragraph)

• Explain how groupthink prevents effective problem-solving.

• Discuss how pressure to conform, lack of critical evaluation, or ignoring alternatives can damage outcomes.

• Provide strategies to avoid groupthink:

  • Invite outside opinions

  • Promote open discussion

  • Assign someone to challenge ideas

Step 4: Share a Personal Experience (2–3 paragraphs)

• Describe a time you experienced or observed groupthink (e.g., in a class project, workplace team, sports group).

• Detail the situation:

  • What decision was made?

  • How did groupthink show up (e.g., no one challenged the leader)?

  • What went wrong?

Step 5: Analyze the Outcome

• What challenges arose in trying to solve the issue?

• How was the situation resolved, if at all?

• Reflect on what you or your group could have done better.

• Be honest and critical—this is a reflective journal.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Ensure your entry is between 350–500 words

• Write in first person, but keep your tone thoughtful and academic

• Use clear transitions between sections

• Proofread your journal before submitting

You’re writing to reflect and grow—focus on insight and self-awareness. Let the theory support your real-life experience!

Would you like help creating an outline or example entry for this journal?

The post Week 4 Journal – Understanding and Avoiding Groupthink appeared first on Skilled Papers.