L. L. Janis argued that even highly educated people are subject to groupthink and illustrated this by identifying government decisions that reflected its operation. According to your text, which of these government decisions reflects groupthink?
A) U.S. entry into World War II after the Pearl Harbor attack
B) Underestimation of the threat of terrorism prior to the 9/11 attacks
C) The Johnson administration's 1967 decision to start the War on Poverty
D) The Obama administration's decision to reform health care

Question

L. L. Janis argued that even highly educated people are subject to groupthink and illustrated this by identifying government decisions that reflected its operation. According to your text, which of these government decisions reflects groupthink? 
A) U.S. entry into World War II after the Pearl Harbor attack
B) Underestimation of the threat of terrorism prior to the 9/11 attacks
C) The Johnson administration's 1967 decision to start the War on Poverty
D) The Obama administration's decision to reform health care

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The underestimation of the threat of terrorism prior to the 9/11 attacks reflects groupthink because government officials failed to consider all available information and alternatives, and instead collectively decided to stick to their original assumptions and biases. This is a common symptom of groupthink. The other options do not necessarily reflect groupthink.

L L Janis Argued That Even Highly Educated People Are Subject