Final answer:
The pluralistic ignorance effect can arise from misinterpretation or hallucinations, and from the influence of group dynamics. Rational ignorance discourages voting because individuals deem their single vote inconsequential. Small special interest groups can win in majority voting by being highly organized and motivated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pluralistic ignorance effect may occur in two conditions: First, when individuals misinterpret or experience optical illusions, hallucinations, or are under the influence of mind-altering substances; second, when individuals are affected by group influence in social psychology settings. This effect is linked to the broader phenomena of misinformation and misinterpretation within social groups. An example of pluralistic ignorance is when individuals collectively misunderstand what others in the group believe, leading to each person conforming to a norm that they all privately reject.
The theory of rational ignorance helps in understanding why voters might decide not to vote. It posits that individuals recognize that their single vote is unlikely to change the outcome of an election, leading them to remain uninformed and abstain from voting. This is a factor in low voter turnout in places like the United States.
In politics, a small special interest group can win in majority voting if it is highly organized and highly motivated because the group seeks benefits that are concentrated and significant to its members, even if the overall population is larger but less organized and less motivated regarding the issue.