What is the phenomenon of 'group polarization' characterized by?

Group polarization refers to the tendency of a group to adopt a more extreme position than the individual members would have taken alone after discussing an issue. This phenomenon occurs because, during group discussions, members of the group reinforce each other's beliefs, leading to stronger and more polarized opinions. When individuals share their thoughts and arguments with one another, they may each push the group's overall position further towards one extreme or another, resulting in attitudes that are more pronounced than before the discussion.

This process is influenced by social factors such as conformity and the desire to align with group sentiments. As members of the group enhance their viewpoints in response to others' arguments, the collective outcome becomes more extreme than the initial individual viewpoints. Hence, the correct choice accurately captures the essence of group polarization as it emphasizes how group interactions amplify existing attitudes.