What does social loafing refer to in group dynamics?

Social loafing is a phenomenon observed in group dynamics where individuals reduce their effort when working as part of a team compared to when they are working alone. The concept suggests that when people are in a group, they often feel less accountable for the outcome, which can lead to a decrease in personal motivation and effort. This reduction in individual contribution can be attributed to several factors, including the diffusion of responsibility, where individuals believe that others in the group will take on more of the workload, leading to a tendency to "loaf" or put in less effort.

In the context of the question, the correct answer highlights this behavior of individuals decreasing their input in group settings, which contrasts with the notions of increased motivation, maximum effort, or heightened accountability that are represented by other choices. These alternatives suggest a scenario that is contrary to the social loafing concept. For example, increased motivation or maximum effort implies that group dynamics enhance individual performance, which does not encapsulate the essence of social loafing. Similarly, intensified accountability suggests that being in a group would lead to individuals feeling more responsible for contributing to the task, opposing the very idea of social loafing where accountability tends to diminish.