Which statement accurately describes the consequences of groupthink?

Groupthink refers to a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a cohesive group where the desire for harmony and conformity leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcomes. When groupthink is present, members may suppress dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, and prioritize consensus over the quality of decisions. This can result in flawed decision-making because the group becomes focused on maintaining cohesion rather than evaluating all possible options thoroughly.

Choosing the accurate description highlights the risks associated with groupthink. It can prevent groups from considering diverse perspectives or recognizing potential pitfalls in their reasoning. Thus, while group cohesion may appear to be positive, it often compromises the integrity of decision-making processes, leading to suboptimal or disastrous outcomes.