Which psychological effect is observed when a group member's opinion intensifies after discussion?

• A. Social facilitation
• B. Cognitive dissonance
• C. Group polarization
• D. Normalization

Answer: (C)

Group polarization occurs when individuals within a group discuss their opinions and, as a result, their views become more extreme or intensified. This phenomenon arises because group discussions typically expose members to persuasive arguments that reinforce existing beliefs or highlight shared views, leading to a shift toward a more extreme position than any member initially held.

During these discussions, members may find confirmation of their beliefs from others, creating a sense of support and community that encourages them to adopt more radical stances. This effect can be observed in various contexts, such as political discussions, social issues, or even group decision-making scenarios, where the collective attitude amplifies beyond the individual viewpoints present prior to the discussion.

The other options do not fit this description: social facilitation pertains to performance being influenced by the presence of others, cognitive dissonance relates to the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes, and normalization is about the process by which a group converges to a common standard or behavior over time.