Which of the following statements about norms in social psychology is accurate?

• A. Norms are fixed and do not change over time or across cultures.
• B. Norms are personal beliefs that do not influence group behavior.
• C. Norms are shared expectations about how people should think, feel, and behave in a given social group.
• D. Norms are only relevant in formal organizations and do not apply to informal groups.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of norms in social psychology: Norms are the shared rules or expectations within a social group about how members should think, feel, and behave.
2. Recognize that norms are not fixed; they can change over time and vary across different cultures, reflecting the dynamic nature of social groups.
3. Identify that norms are not merely personal beliefs but are collective standards that influence and guide group behavior.
4. Acknowledge that norms apply broadly to both formal organizations and informal groups, shaping interactions in various social contexts.
5. Conclude that the accurate statement is the one describing norms as shared expectations about appropriate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within a social group.