Which of the following statements captures the persuasive arguments account of why group polarization occurs?
A) Discussing an issue in a group exposes group members to even more arguments in favor of the position that the average group member was already inclined to take.
B) Discussing an issue in a group exposes group members to arguments that contradict their original position.
C) Discussing an issue in a group gives each person a chance to state his or her opinion out loud, which increases his or her commitment to that opinion.
D) Discussing an issue in a group increases group members' motivation to reach a consensus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The persuasive arguments account suggests that group members are exposed to more arguments in favor of the position they already hold, leading them to become more extreme in that position. Option A captures this idea accurately. Option B suggests exposure to contradictory arguments, which is not a component of the persuasive arguments account. Option C focuses on the impact of voicing opinions rather than exposure to arguments, and Option D focuses on motivation to reach consensus rather than the process of polarization.

Which of the Following Statements Captures the Persuasive Arguments Account