Learning Objective 040.03.03.01.09: Describe the positive and negative influences exerted by other group members on an individual’s decision-making process (risky shift).

Groups are more likely than individuals to make decisions concerning risk, known as Risky Shift. In other words, Risky shift occurs when people change their decisions or opinions to become more extreme and risky when acting as part of a group, compared with acting individually. It is quite a simple concept really, and you may have seen its effects before. One of the potential causes of risky shift is mentioned in this question, by the fact that the individual members of the group see their decision as less risky as the blame for any problems could be shared (this is often a subconscious thought). That is not the only reason that risky shift occurs though, there are other psychological factors at play.