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1 Case Management Samantha Jacobs BSHS/405 April 20, 2015 Case Management Samantha Jacobs BSHS/405 April 20, 2015 Case Management Samantha Jacobs BSHS/405 April 20, 2015 Melinda Bake Case Management Samantha Jacobs BSHS/405 April 20, 2015 Melinda Bake U.S. Capitol Attack of 2021: A Social Psychology Analysis Samantha Jacobs CPSS/316 August 21, 2023

2 Greggus Yahr The events that transpired during the U.S. Capitol Attack of 2021 provide a clear example of how groupthink can lead to serious consequences in a historical context. By exploring the rules of how people think in groups, we can get a better idea of how groupthink happened and led to the criminal actions in the Capital Attack of 2021. Social Psychology Principles: Several social psychology principles were evident in the U.S. Capitol Attack and are followed: Conformity and Norms: People often conform to the norms and beliefs of the groups they belong to. In this case, certain individuals adhered to the norm of political loyalty to an extreme extent. Group Identity and Polarization: People group’s often feel very connected to their group and can start to strongly disagree with people they see as their rivals. This can create a feeling of "us versus them," where different opinions are viewed as being dangerous.

3 Illusion of Invulnerability: The group involved in the attack exhibited a sense of invulnerability, believing their actions were justified and that they wouldn't face serious consequences. Collective Rationalization: Group members rationalized their actions by downplaying the potential consequences and risks of storming the Capitol, believing that their cause was just and necessary. Self-Censorship and Peer Pressure: Some members likely withheld doubts and concerns to avoid dissent and maintain group cohesion. The fear of being ostracized or ridiculed played a role in this self-censorship. Confirmation Bias: People tend to seek out information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs and ignore or discredit information that contradicts them. This bias was evident in the way individuals interpreted events leading up to the attack. Occurrence of Groupthink: Groupthink occurred in the U.S. Capitol Attack when a significant number of individuals formed a cohesive group with shared beliefs, particularly concerning the outcome of the 2020 Presidential Election. These individuals became increasingly isolated from opposing viewpoints and surrounded themselves with echo chambers that reinforced their existing beliefs. As a result, dissenting voices were marginalized, and the group's cohesion and perceived moral righteousness grew stronger. Prevailing Group Thinking: The prevailing group thinking during the attack was that the election had been stolen, and their actions were a last-

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4 ditch effort to restore what they believed was a just and rightful outcome. This belief was fueled by misinformation, conspiracy theories, and the emotional charge of political polarization. The group convinced themselves that they were defending democracy rather than undermining it. The Group: The group involved in the attack consisted of a mix of far-right extremists, conspiracy theorists, and individuals who believed in the unfounded claims of election fraud. Their shared beliefs created a strong sense of belonging, even though the group was not physically cohesive but rather interconnected through online platforms and social media. Negative Outcomes of Groupthink: The negative outcomes of groupthink in this situation were significant and far-reaching. The attack on the U.S. Capitol resulted in violence, destruction of property, injuries, and loss of life. The group's actions not only disrupted the peaceful transfer of power but also damaged the democratic foundations of the United States and eroded trust in institutions. Groupthink Turning Criminal: Groupthink turned criminal in the U.S. Capitol Attack as the collective rationalization, illusion of invulnerability, and belief in the righteousness of their cause led individuals to engage in criminal behavior. The perceived unity within the group created an atmosphere where moral boundaries were blurred, allowing participants to justify violent actions as a means of achieving their goals. The isolation from diverse perspectives and the reinforcement of their shared beliefs further fueled

5 their conviction that they were acting for the greater good, despite the criminal nature of their actions. In conclusion, the U.S. Capitol Attack of 2021 serves as a tragic example of how groupthink, fueled by conformity, group identity, and rationalization, can lead to destructive outcomes. By understanding the social psychology principles at play, we can better recognize the signs of groupthink and work to prevent such incidents in the future. It's critical to promote an open dialogue, critical thinking, and exposure to diverse viewpoints to counteract the insidious effects of groupthink and its potential to turn criminal behavior. Reference Janis, I. L. (1972). Victims of groupthink: A psychological study of foreign- policy decisions and fiascoes. Houghton Mifflin. United States Department of Justice. (2021, December 30). One Year Since the Jan. 6 Attack on the Capitol. Www.justice.gov; United States Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/one-year-jan-6-attack-capitol

6 Capitol Violence. (n.d.). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/capitol-violence

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