English Grammar - Reading Comprehension

English Grammar
English Grammar - Reading Comprehension

Read the passage given in the question description and answer: According to the passage, what evolutionary trait contributes to social conformity?


Group thinking, often referred to as groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically. It frequently leads to flawed decision-making because dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized. Social conformity, its close ally, describes the act of aligning one's beliefs or behaviours with those of a majority, often subconsciously, in pursuit of acceptance or avoidance of conflict. In tightly knit groups such as corporate boards, political committees, or academic panels individual members may refrain from expressing contrarian ideas, fearing ostracization or reputational risk. Over time, this collective homogeneity breeds intellectual stagnation, reducing innovation and enhancing vulnerability to strategic errors. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink. Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk. In modern society, the same instinct manifests through peer pressure, organizational culture, and digital echo chambers. Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought. However, the remedy to such cognitive myopia lies in institutionalizing dissent. Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision. Promoting a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded can lead to more robust, balanced, and resilient decision-making. In an age dominated by viral trends, polarized discourse, and performative alignment, the courage to question consensus is both rare and essential. True progress emerges not from blind allegiance to majority norms, but from critical inquiry and the audacity to challenge the comfortable.

Options:

  1. Hunger for dominance
  2. Need for speed
  3. Instinct for tribal survival
  4. Desire for luxury

Right Answer: Instinct for tribal survival

The passage states that the psychological roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation from the group was historically associated with survival risk. In early human societies, being cast out of the tribe could threaten a person's life, so the instinct to stay aligned with the group became deeply rooted. The option 'instinct for tribal survival' expresses this idea exactly. Hunger for dominance, need for speed and desire for luxury are never mentioned in the passage as evolutionary explanations of conformity. Hence the third option is the correct answer.

This question is part of English Grammar - Reading Comprehension, which has 37 practice questions with answers.

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