Conformity in Action

Group influences and complexities of collective decision-making

A jury deliberation is used to illustrate group dynamics in the 1957 classic 12 Angry Men. The idea that the majority in a group may change the conduct of others in that group is known as group influence. The group as a whole is dominated by the majority influence. This happens as a result of the favorable reaction to group conformity. Group dynamics covers group structure, operation, and character roles. A jury of twelve men must decide the fate of a young man who has been charged with murder in the movie. The group's choice drastically shifts during the movie.

Group influence is demonstrated in the movie through personality conflicts, teamwork, and the collaboration of multiple brains in pursuit of the truth. All of them had an impact on the results, whether they brought positive or negative traits to the room. The power of informational social influence and normative social influence is best demonstrated by "Twelve Angry Men." People are prompted by normative social influence to follow group norms in order to feel good, fit in, and be accepted. Informational social influence causes people to conform because they think the group has accurate and knowledgeable information. The group's initial vote was heavily impacted by groupthink, a psychological phenomenon in which the group's drive for harmony or conformity leads to an illogical or dysfunctional decision-making process.

In their haste to wrap up the case, the jurors first render a guilty verdict without carefully considering the facts. Conformity brought on by informational social influence frequently results from judging other people's views of an unclear situation. This hypothesis can be applied to the "Twelve Angry Men" jurors' decision-making processes. The uncertainty of the issue, the significance of accuracy, time restrictions, and the presence of people who are regarded as experts all contribute to the escalation of informational social influence.

The film's opening scenes depict conformity brought on by social pressure. An initial vote prevents contentious arguments in the jury room. This public vote was susceptible to normative social influence, or conformity, out of fear of looking abnormal. Many of the eleven jurors who vote guilty exhibit hesitation when they cast their first vote. This hesitancy may be seen as a lack of conviction influenced by the guilty majority.

Minority influence, a type of social influence in which a minority of group members affect the behavior or views of the majority, has a considerable impact on the decision-making process. Juror 8 is instrumental in altering the group's verdict after initially voting not guilty. He continues to cast doubt on the evidence in spite of resistance and animosity, ultimately persuading the other jurors to change their original decision.

"12 Angry Men" offers a powerful example of how group dynamics may affect how decisions are made. By shedding light on a number of social psychology ideas, the movie offers a foundation for critical analysis as well as a platform for comprehending attitudes, group influences, and compliance.