PrepTest 125, Section 1, Question 20
In principle, a cohesive group—one whose members generally(440 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(9 more words not shown)
- ADespite its value(18 more words not shown)
- BGroup members can(16 more words not shown)
- CGroupthink is a(12 more words not shown)
- DLow cohesion in(13 more words not shown)
- EFuture efforts to(18 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
We've already predicted both sides of cohesion: it can make people more willing to speak honestly, but it can also lead them to accept the group's ideas without enough scrutiny. We're looking for that whole point, not just the description of groupthink at the end.
Working the answers
- ACorrect
This captures the benefit, the risk, and the connection between them. It also says cohesion “can lead” to groupthink, preserving the final warning that cohesion alone isn't sufficient.
- B
Understanding cohesion's role doesn't by itself give members a way to prevent groupthink. We still need to identify the additional factors that determine whether cohesion helps or hurts.
- C
True, but too narrow for the main point. Diplomacy and military affairs supply examples of the harmful pattern. This answer leaves out the central discussion of cohesion's benefits and risks.
- D
The author doesn't recommend low cohesion. Its own problem—fear-driven compliance—occupies the first paragraph. Recognizing a risk of high cohesion isn't the same as advising groups to reduce it.
- E
The ending does call for further research. But this makes future prevention and ongoing research the central claim, when the main discussion explains how cohesion can improve or damage decision making. It also goes beyond the text in making prevention depend on the results of that research.
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