Editing Group polarization (section)

== Choice shifts ==
Group polarization and '''choice shifts''' are similar in many ways; however, they differ in one distinct way. ''Group polarization'' refers to attitude change on the individual level due to the influence of the group, and ''choice shift'' refers to the outcome of that attitude change; namely, the difference between the average group members' pre-group discussion attitudes and the outcome of the group decision.<ref name="Myers_the group polarization">{{cite journal|last=Myers|first=D.G. |author2=H. Lamm|title=The group polarization phenomenon|journal=Psychological Bulletin|year=1976|pages=602–627|doi=10.1037/0033-2909.83.4.602|volume=83|issue=4 }}</ref>

Risky and cautious shifts are both a part of a more generalized idea known as group-induced attitude polarization. Though group polarization deals mainly with risk-involving decisions and/or opinions, discussion-induced shifts have been shown to occur on several non-risk-involving levels. This suggests that a general phenomenon of choice-shifts exists apart from only risk-related decisions.{{Clarify|date=April 2017}} Stoner (1968) found that a decision is impacted by the values behind that circumstances of the decision.<ref name="Stoner_risky and cautious" /> The study found that situations that normally favor the more risky alternative increased risky shifts. More so, situations that normally favor the cautious alternative increased cautious shifts. These findings also show the importance of previous group shifts. Choice shifts are mainly explained by largely differing human values and how highly these values are held by an individual. According to Moscovici et al. (1972) interaction within a group and differences of opinion are necessary for group polarization to take place.<ref name="Moscovici_studies">{{cite journal|last=Moscovici|first=S.|author2=W. Doise|author3=R. Dulong|year=1972|title=Studies in group decision: II. Differences of positions, differences of opinion, and group polarization|journal=European Journal of Social Psychology|volume=2|issue=4|pages=385–399|doi=10.1002/ejsp.2420020404}}</ref> While an extremist in the group may sway opinion, the shift can only occur with sufficient and proper interaction within the group.  In other words, the extremist will have no impact without interaction. Also, Moscovici et al. found individual preferences to be irrelevant; it is differences of opinion which will cause the shift.<ref name="Moscovici_studies" /> This finding demonstrates how one opinion in the group will not sway the group; it is the combination of all the individual opinions that will make an impact.