North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is a psychological crowd?

1. A group with no emotional engagement

2. A group of people united by a common interest responding emotionally

3. A crowd formed spontaneously with chaotic behavior

4. A structured group with leadership roles

The correct answer is: A group of people united by a common interest responding emotionally

A psychological crowd is defined as a group of people who are united by a common interest and respond emotionally. This type of crowd typically exhibits shared feelings or ideas that can influence individual behaviors and attitudes, creating a sense of collective identity. The emotional engagement among the members of the crowd is significant, as it can lead to heightened enthusiasm, shared passions, and sometimes even emotional contagion. In contrast, the other options reflect different aspects or types of groups that either lack emotional connection, exhibit chaos without unity, or operate under structured leadership, none of which capture the essence of a psychological crowd. Therefore, the description that aligns most closely with the characteristics of a psychological crowd is that of individuals collectively engaged and emotionally responsive, reflecting shared interests or sentiments.