Which influence in group discussions often leads individuals to adopt the dominant viewpoint?

The correct answer is indicative of how people process information and come to make decisions in social contexts. In group discussions, when individuals are exposed to dominant viewpoints, they may adopt these positions based on informational influence. This type of influence occurs when individuals look to others for guidance on the correct behavior or opinion, particularly when they perceive those in the group as possessing superior knowledge or expertise.

In social settings, people often rely on the prevailing view to inform their own beliefs, especially in ambiguous situations where they are uncertain. This can lead to a convergence of opinions and results in individuals aligning with the dominant stance, believing it to be the most accurate or acceptable.

Other options refer to different psychological mechanisms: normative influence involves conformity due to the desire to be accepted or liked by others, cognitive dissonance stems from the discomfort caused by holding conflicting beliefs, and reference group influence pertains to adopting behaviors or views based on the standards of a specific social group. Each of these plays a role in shaping attitudes and behavior but does not specifically highlight how information acquisition impacts opinion adoption in the context specified.