[1] The term “herd behavior” comes from the behavior of animals in herds, particularly when they are in a dangerous situation such as escaping a predator. All of the animals band closely together in a group and, in panic mode, move together as a unit. It is very unusual for a member of the herd to stray from the movement of the unit.

Question

[2] The term also applies to human behavior, and it usually describes large numbers of people acting the same way at the same time. It often has a connotation of irrationality, as people’s actions are driven by emotion rather than by thinking through a situation. Human herd behavior can be observed at large-scale demonstrations, riots, strikes, religious gatherings, sports events, and outbreaks of mob violence. When herd behavior sets in, an individual person’s judgment and opinion-forming process shut down as he or she automatically follows the group’s movement and behavior.

Examples of Herd Behavior
[3] Herd behavior in humans is frequently observed at times of danger and panic; for example, a fire in a building often causes herd behavior, with people often suspending their individual reasoning and fleeing together in a pack. People in a crisis that requires escape will attempt to move faster than normal, copy the actions of others, interact physically with each other, and ignore alternative strategies in favor of following the mass escape trend.
[4] Another commonly cited example of human herd behavior is the phenomenon of stock market bubbles. Large stock market trends often begin and end with a mass frenzy of buying (bubbles) or selling (crashes). Many observers see these stock market trends as examples of herding behavior because individuals are driven by emotion rather than reason to “join the crowd”; greed drives mass buying frenzies, and fear drives crashes.

Behavior in Crowds
[5] A more obvious example of human herd behavior occurs in dense public crowds or mobs. Crowds that gather because of a grievance or protest can involve herding behavior that becomes violent. Psychologists posit that a “group mind” can overtake a mob and embolden people to act in ways they would not individually, increasing the likelihood that situations become violent.
[6] Sporting events can also create herd behavior on a violent scale. The football hooliganism prevalent in Europe in the 1980s is a well-known example of sports-related herding behavior and violence. Overzealous fans of football teams often engaged in unruly or destructive behavior in the name of supporting their team and intimidating the rival team, to the extent that people involved could be badly injured or even killed.
[7] Some historians believe that Adolf Hitler purposefully took advantage of herd behavior psychology by planting a significant number of undercover German officers in the crowds at his speeches. These officers would enthusiastically cheer for Hitler, and the rest of the crowd followed suit, making it seem as if the entire crowd supported Hitler. These speeches would then be broadcast to a larger public audience, magnifying the effect.

Everyday Decision-Making
[8] Herd behavior does not always have such harmful effects; it can be influential in people’s everyday, simple decisions. For example, suppose that a family is walking down the street looking for a restaurant to have dinner. If they pass a restaurant that is empty and one that is relatively crowded with patrons, they are far more likely to choose the crowded one, on the assumption that it’s better because there are more people there. Herding can be subtle in this way; it simply involves people’s tendency to follow a crowd rather than carve out an individual path in many situations

11.
Who is most likely the intended audience for this article?
A.Individuals interested in psychology or social behavior.
B.Young children learning about animal behavior.
C.Sports enthusiasts analyzing fan behavior.
D.Historians researching political speeches.

12.
Read the dictionary entry.

panic \ ˈpa-nik \ n
1. a sudden overwhelming fear that can spread quickly. 2. a situation that causes widespread anxiety or confusion. 3. a mental state of heightened excitement or activity. 4. a sudden rush to act without clear thinking.

Which definition best matches the use of the word panic in paragraph 3 of the text?
A.Definition 1
B.Definition 2
C.Definition 3
D.Definition 4

13.
In paragraph 3 of the excerpt from "Herd Behavior", what does the word suspending mean?
A.Continuing
B.Halting
C.Modifying
D.Encouraging

14.
Based on the article, what can the reader infer about the influence of emotions in herd behavior?
A.Emotions have little to no impact on group decisions.
B.Emotions drive individuals to think critically, resulting in better decision-making.
C.Emotions encourage people to act independently from the group.
D.Emotions can override individual reasoning, leading to collective action.

15.
In paragraphs 2 and 5, which key ideas are supported by the details of human reactions in crowds?

Select TWO correct answers.
A.People often maintain their individual thoughts during crowd events.
B.Human herd behavior can lead to irrational and unified actions.
C.Herd behavior is limited to peaceful gatherings.
D.Crowds can become violent when emotions and a “group mind” take over.
E.Group behavior is usually based on careful thought.

16.
What is the best summary of the section titled Examples of Herd Behavior?
A.Herd behavior during emergencies leads to people fleeing together without considering other options.
B.Herd behavior demonstrates that people act carefully and rationally during emergencies and market trends.
C.Herd behavior often creates chaos in both emergencies and everyday decision-making.
D.Herd behavior in crises and financial markets shows how emotion drives group actions.

17.
Which quotation from paragraph 5 shows that herd behavior can lead to uncharacteristic actions?
A.A more obvious example of human herd behavior occurs in dense public crowds or mobs.
B.Crowds that gather because of a grievance or protest can involve herding behavior that becomes violent.
C.Psychologists posit that a ‘group mind’ can overtake a mob and embolden people to act in ways they would not individually.
D.Crowds are often influenced by leaders or prominent figures.

18.
Which quotation best emphasizes that herd behavior can influence minor decisions in daily life?
A.Herd behavior does not always have such harmful effects.
B.For example, suppose that a family is walking down the street looking for a restaurant to have dinner.
C.If they pass a restaurant that is empty and one that is relatively crowded with patrons, they are far more likely to choose the crowded one.
D.Herd behavior in humans is frequently observed at times of danger and panic; for example, a fire in a building often causes herd behavior, with people often suspending their individual reasoning and fleeing together in a pack.

19.
Which of these is the best summary of the text?
A.Herd behavior is a phenomenon in which individuals mimic the actions of a group. This can lead to both positive and negative outcomes, from choosing popular restaurants to violent mob behavior. The reasons behind this tendency range from emotional responses to social pressure.
B.Herd behavior, primarily observed in animals, is a rare occurrence in humans. However, when it does happen, it is usually limited to moments of danger or panic, such as riots or fires. Researchers have found that it rarely influences everyday decisions.
C.Herd behavior describes how people’s actions can be influenced by large groups. It can occur in a variety of situations, such as emergencies, stock market trends, or even simple decisions like choosing a crowded restaurant. The behavior is driven by emotions rather than logical reasoning.
D.Herd behavior refers to the way humans rely on collective decisions when they are uncertain. It only occurs during moments of crisis, like natural disasters, and is generally considered a negative phenomenon because it suppresses independent thought.

20.
Read this statement from paragraph 7 of the article.

Some historians believe that Adolf Hitler purposefully took advantage of herd behavior psychology by planting a significant number of undercover German officers in the crowds at his speeches.

Why does the author include this information?
A.To show how leaders can exploit herd behavior for influence.
B.To highlight a rare occurrence of herd behavior.
C.To argue that herd behavior is limited to historical events.
D.To illustrate the positive impacts of herd behavior.

Answer 1

11. A. Individuals interested in psychology or social behavior.

12. D. Definition 4

13. B. Halting

14. D. Emotions can override individual reasoning, leading to collective action.

15. B. Human herd behavior can lead to irrational and unified actions.
    D. Crowds can become violent when emotions and a “group mind” take over.

16. D. Herd behavior in crises and financial markets shows how emotion drives group actions.

17. C. Psychologists posit that a ‘group mind’ can overtake a mob and embolden people to act in ways they would not individually.

18. C. If they pass a restaurant that is empty and one that is relatively crowded with patrons, they are far more likely to choose the crowded one.

19. A. Herd behavior is a phenomenon in which individuals mimic the actions of a group. This can lead to both positive and negative outcomes, from choosing popular restaurants to violent mob behavior. The reasons behind this tendency range from emotional responses to social pressure.

20. A. To show how leaders can exploit herd behavior for influence.