What is the influence of group dynamics on individual decision-making called?

The influence of group dynamics on individual decision-making is referred to as groupthink. This concept describes a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group when the desire for harmony or conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcomes. Members of the group prioritize consensus over critical analysis, often leading to suboptimal decisions because alternative viewpoints or dissenting perspectives are stifled.

Groupthink typically arises in cohesive groups where individuals may suppress their opinions or concerns to maintain the overall agreement or because they fear being marginalized. It reflects how group pressures can shape individual thought processes and lead to a unity that, while fostering an appearance of consensus, can hinder effective and rational decision-making.

The other options, while related to cognitive psychology, do not capture this specific dynamic. For instance, an availability cascade refers to a self-reinforcing process where beliefs gain more credibility because they are frequently mentioned, rather than the internal group dynamics affecting individual choices. Cognitive rehearsal involves the mental practice of information, and transactive memory is about how knowledge is distributed across members of a group, not how group dynamics influence individual decision-making processes.