Detecting groupthink: Methods for observing the illusion of unanimity

While intuitively pleasing, Janis' (1972) groupthink theory has failed to stimulate substantial research. Critics blamed the theory's complexity and confusion. A more coherent model has evolved with concurrence‐seeking logically joining stages of groupthink development. This study reconceptualizes groupthink symptoms as observable group interaction patterns. Two coding systems are proposed for detecting the illusion of unanimity symptom. One detects degree of unanimity while the other assesses the degree of illusory versus substantive nature of that unanimity. Courtright's (1978) laboratory paradigm is replicated. Results support the validity of the coding systems for detecting the illusion of unanimity.