Editing Group polarization (section)

===Informational influence===
Informational influence, or persuasive arguments theory, has also been used to explain group polarization, and is most recognized by psychologists today. The persuasive arguments interpretation holds that individuals become more convinced of their views when they hear novel arguments in support of their position. The theory posits that each group member enters the discussion aware of a set of items of information or arguments favoring both sides of the issue, but lean toward that side that boasts the greater amount of information. In other words, individuals base their individual choices by weighing remembered pro and con arguments. Some of these items or arguments are shared among the members while some items are unshared, in which all but one member has considered these arguments before. Assuming most or all group members lean in the same direction, during discussion, items of unshared information supporting that direction are expressed, which provides members previously unaware of them more reason to lean in that direction. Group discussion shifts the weight of evidence as each group member expresses their arguments, shedding light onto a number of different positions and ideas.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Vinokur|first=A.|author2=Burnstein, E.|title=Effects of partially shared persuasive arguments on group induced shifts: A group problem-solving approach|journal=Journal of Personality and Social Psychology|year=1974|pages=305–315|doi=10.1037/h0036010|volume=29|issue=3}}</ref> Research has indicated that informational influence is more likely with intellective issues, a group goal of making correct decision, task-oriented group members, and private responses.<ref name="Isenberg_group polarization" /> Furthermore, research suggests that it is not simply the sharing of information that predicts group polarization. Rather, the amount of information and persuasiveness of the arguments mediate the level of polarization experienced.<ref name="Hinsz_persuasive">{{cite journal|last2=Davis|first2=J.H.|year=1984|title=Persuasive Arguments Theory, Group Polarization, and Choice Shifts|journal=Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin|volume=10|issue=2|pages=260–268|doi=10.1177/0146167284102012|last1=Hinsz|first1=V.B.|s2cid=145085635}}</ref>

In the 1970s, significant arguments occurred over whether persuasive argumentation alone accounted for group polarization. [[Daniel Isenberg]]'s 1986 meta-analysis of the data gathered by both the persuasive argument and social comparison camps succeeded, in large part, in answering the questions about predominant mechanisms. Isenberg concluded that there was substantial evidence that both effects were operating simultaneously, and that persuasive arguments theory operated when social comparison did not, and vice versa.<ref name="Isenberg_group polarization"/>