Which of the following is an example of a positive formal sanction in social psychology?

• A. Getting a compliment from a friend
• B. Receiving a parking ticket
• C. Being ignored by classmates
• D. Receiving an academic scholarship for outstanding grades

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of formal sanctions in social psychology: these are official rewards or punishments given by recognized institutions or authorities to regulate behavior.
2. Identify what makes a sanction positive or negative: a positive sanction is a reward or approval for desired behavior, while a negative sanction is a punishment or disapproval for undesired behavior.
3. Analyze each option to determine if it is a formal sanction: 'Getting a compliment from a friend' is informal because it comes from a peer, not an institution; 'Receiving a parking ticket' is a formal negative sanction from an authority; 'Being ignored by classmates' is an informal negative sanction.
4. Recognize that 'Receiving an academic scholarship for outstanding grades' is a formal positive sanction because it is an official reward given by an educational institution for good performance.
5. Conclude that the example of a positive formal sanction is the academic scholarship, as it fits both criteria of being formal (institutional) and positive (reward).