How we change what others think, feel, believe and do |
Risky Shift Phenomenon
Explanations > Theories > Risky Shift Phenomenon Description | Research | Example | So What? | See also | References
DescriptionWhen people are in groups, they make decision about risk differently from when they are alone. In the group, they are likely to make riskier decisions, as the shared risk makes the individual risk less. They also may not want to let their compatriots down, and hence be risk-averse (this is sometimes called cautious shift). The overall tendency towards a shift in risk perception is also sometimes called choice shift. There are a number of reasons as to why this might happen. Theories have included:
ResearchMyers and Bishop (1970) put highly prejudiced students together to discuss racial issues. They became even more prejudiced. The reverse happened with unprejudiced students, who became even more unprejudiced. ExampleEntire football teams sometime get into aggressive or defensive moods as they either throw caution to the winds trying to score or desperately try to avoid being caught out. Juries given weak evidence will become very lenient after discussion, whilst when given strong evidence they are likely to give harsh judgment. So what?Using itShow the other person how other people are making the same decision. Frame the risk as individually less. DefendingMake decisions on your own. Shared risk is still the same risk. See alsoDeindividuation, Group Polarization Phenomenon, Groupthink Risky shift, management and outsourcing ReferencesStoner (1961), Myers and Bishop (1970) Wallach, Kogan, and Bem (1964), Collins and Guetzkow (1964), Brown (1965), Bateson (1966)
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