What is groupthink characterized by?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, often when the desire for harmony and conformity within the group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcomes. The correct answer highlights that groupthink is characterized by a deterioration of mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment.

When groupthink takes hold, individuals may suppress their own opinions or alternative ideas to maintain consensus, which can lead to poor decision-making. Members might ignore significant information or fail to consider different perspectives, resulting in a lack of critical analysis and flawed conclusions. This breakdown in cognitive processes can jeopardize ethical considerations as the group prioritizes cohesion over sound reasoning.

The other options touch on aspects that may occur in group dynamics but do not fully encapsulate the essence of groupthink. For example, while groupthink can lead to a lack of creativity and innovation, this is a secondary effect rather than the defining feature. Similarly, an increase in group cohesion and morale may be perceived positively, but it can ultimately mask the detrimental effects of suppressing dissenting views. Focusing on external pressures may relate to group dynamics but does not specifically define the internal cognitive decline that occurs in groupthink situations.