Individual Shifts and the Group-Shift Phenomenon

Abstract

The effect of group composition on individual decisions was investigated by having nine 3-man groups discuss caution-oriented life dilemma items. Results indicated: (1) that there are individual changes in decision which are not reflected in an over-all group change; (2) stability of decisions is influenced by item orientation; (3) that majority position exerts disproportionate influence on group decisions; (4) that homogeneous groups do not shift; and (5) that conformity, compromise and attitude change effects are evident. Results were discussed in terms of their relevance to a number of theories.