Question

Bandwagon effect is the cause of

• A. Group cohesiveness
• B. Group norm
• C. Group polarisation
• D. All of these

Hint:

Think of the bandwagon effect as a "popularity contest" for behaviors. The winning behavior becomes the "rule" or the "norm" for the group.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The bandwagon effect is a cognitive bias whereby individuals are more likely to adopt a certain behavior, style, or attitude because it is popular and others are doing it. The question asks what this effect causes in a group context.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(B) Group norm: A group norm is an unwritten rule about acceptable behavior within a group. The bandwagon effect directly contributes to the establishment and reinforcement of group norms. As more people adopt a behavior (get on the bandwagon), that behavior becomes the expected or normal way to act within the group. People conform to this emerging norm partly because of the bandwagon effect.
(A) Group cohesiveness (the sense of unity) can be enhanced by shared norms, but the bandwagon effect doesn't directly cause cohesiveness itself.
(C) Group polarisation (groups making more extreme decisions) can be influenced by the bandwagon effect as people shift towards the perceived popular opinion, but the most direct outcome is conformity to a norm.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The bandwagon effect is a mechanism of conformity that causes individuals to adopt and thereby strengthen a group norm.