Assignment Instructions

Groupthink

Research Paper Instructions:

IMPORTANT!!
Submit your work as an MS WORD ATTACHMENT in either a .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. No other file format can be accepted (i.e., no .pdf, read-only, or Apple file formats).

Write a short paper (1 – 2 pages) illustrating the concept of Groupthink, and include at least three (3) famous historical examples of Groupthink that fit within the definition provided in the PowerPoint. To be eligible for full credit, you must research this concept through the APUS online library, and reference your additional source(s) both in and at the end of your paper. As a convenience, references regarding this concept are provided below.

In preparation for this assignment, review the PowerPoint on Groupthink below. Your paper must have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Your paper must include a reference page, title page, and in-text citations for all listed references in accordance with the APA manual, 6th edition chapters 6 (citation formatting) and chapter 7 (reference/source formatting). In addition, papers longer than 2 pages will not be read after the second page. As such, please ensure that all questions are answered within the first two pages, as your grade will be based on the first two pages received.

Please support your ideas, arguments, and opinions with independent research, and include at least three (3) supporting references or sources (do NOT useWikipedia, unknown, undated, or anonymous sources, such as websites).

Assignment Questions: Respond to the following question(s):

1. How do these sources define Groupthink?
2. What historical events do these sources use to illustrate this phenomenon (NOTE: identify a minimum of three historical events)?

Assignment Due: Sunday, 11:55 p.m.

PowerPoint – Groupthink

Shore, S. (2010). Groupthink. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/stevebshore/groupthinklecutrefinal

Reminder:
Please ensure that you review the grading rubric (click on checkerboard under grade details above) for this assignment carefully, to ensure that you receive the highest possible grade for your work!

APUS Online Library Resources that you should find helpful include:

Summon: http://apus.libanswers.com/a.php?qid=637029

Library Answers to Frequently Asked Questions: http://apus.libanswers.com/

Supplemental References:

Dattner, B. (2011). Preventing groupthink. Retrieved July 10, 2013 from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/credit-and-blame-work/201104/preventing-groupthink

Mindtools (2013). Avoiding fatal flaws in group decision-making. Retrieved July 10, 2013 from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_82.htm

Packer, D. J. (2009). Avoiding groupthink: whereas weakly identified members remain silent, strongly identified members dissent about collective problems. Psychological Science, 20(5), 546–548.

Rose, J. D. (Spring 2011). Diverse perspectives on the groupthink theory – a literary review. Emerging Leadership Journeys, 4(1), 37–57.