- Published: December 21, 2021
- Updated: December 21, 2021
- University / College: University of Bristol
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 21
Twelve Angry Men: A Psychology Assignment Twelve Angry Men: A Psychology Assignment The story of the Twelve Angry Men depicts one of the dynamics studied in social psychology. The aim of the study is to explored the plot and analyze the meaning based on the said field of study.
1. Type of Decision
The twelve angry men are the members of the jury bound to make a decision about a homicide case of a young man being charged of murdering his own father. The decision of the jury should be consensus or unanimous.
2. The Group’s Dynamics
Due to the fact that the group composed of the 12 men needed to agree on a single point of view or decision, there is usually a battle of thoughts and opinions prior to the point of consensus. Each member of the group represents a point in the range of perspectives based on culture, values, priorities and norms. The decision-making process of such a group then is expected to be full of conflicting ideas specifically in coming up with a decision or choice regarding such a serious matter. It is then important to have a leader or a mediator in the group to be able to reach a prober and unbiased decorum.
3. Effects of Bias and Prejudices on Group Dynamics
The group dynamics is generally complicated as it is. If biases and prejudices are then added, the group dynamics will then be more complicated and conflicting. It is then important for the group to have a workable conflict management strategy in terms of the decision-making process. One technique is through imposed mechanics in the process of arriving at a decision. Strict voting techniques are also important. Positive contribution and cooperation of the group members are essential factors for a successful interaction and group dynamics which can ultimately lead to an unbiased decision.
4. The Method Used by the Foremen
The leader of the group tries to entertain issues that can create conflict based on the belief that each member of the jury should overcome any form of doubt in their decision to be able to arrive at a decision that cannot be wavered. After doing so, the jury can arrive at unified decision. It is important though that in the end of the session that everyone agrees with the decision or else a mistrial can happen, which is the failure of a unanimous decision.
5. What the Foremen Should Have Done
Basically, there are different methods that can be applied to be able to have a successful decision-making process. It is important for the leader to logically plot the points presented by each juror to arrive at a clear and unanimous decision. This can trace doubts in the most basic state and not in a complicated perspective. The said method can also lessen the subjectivity of each vote of the jurors.
6. Influential Character in the Decision-Making Process
All the 11 men believed the suspected murderer to be guilty except for juror 8, Davis. He was considered influential due to the final verdict. Because of the fact that the personal backgrounds of each juror were not known, the only basis of influence within the group is the capability to present a solid perspective and clear argument.
7. Constructive Response to Conflict
One of the constructive responses to conflict observed was conciliation since the different jurors came from different social backgrounds of conflicting views.
8. Destructive Response to Conflict
Close-mindedness and inability to accept opposing views are included in the destructive responses to conflict that can result to escalation of the negative issues.
9. Behaviors that Escalate Conflict
The negative reactions and inability to accept the views and perspectives of other members of the jury and the failure to understand where each of them is coming from can result to escalation of conflict specifically when disagreements are expressed in angry tones.
10. Behaviors that De-escalate Conflict
The behaviors that can de-escalate conflict among the members of the group include acceptance of the importance of each others opinions.
11. Actions to Overcome Stalemate
To be able to overcome situations that approach stalemate, members of the group always try to approach the case through a new and fresh perspective.