Groupthink is present when which of the following occurs?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, often leading to flawed decision-making. It is characterized by the suppression of dissenting viewpoints, the undervaluing of outside opinions, and the pressure to conform to a dominant group consensus.

When outgroup stereotyping is evident, group members may regard people outside their group as less capable or credible. This can reinforce the group's cohesion and sense of superiority while undermining the value of external insights and diverse perspectives. Such dynamics create an environment where innovative ideas and critical thinking are stifled, as group members may avoid voicing disagreement or drawing on the expertise of outsiders.

The presence of outgroup stereotyping typically indicates a lack of critical evaluation of alternative viewpoints, which is a hallmark of groupthink. Therefore, when stereotyping outsiders becomes a factor in group dynamics, it signals a tendency toward groupthink, as members are more focused on protecting group harmony than engaging in open and constructive dialogue.