Which statement best describes the drinking habits of college students?

• A. The majority of college students abstain from alcohol and rarely attend social events involving drinking.
• B. College students typically drink less than the national average for adults.
• C. College students are generally unaware of their peers' drinking behaviors.
• D. Most college students overestimate how much their peers drink, leading to increased personal alcohol consumption.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of social norms and how perceptions of peer behavior can influence individual actions, especially in the context of alcohol consumption among college students.
2. Recognize that the problem is about identifying the statement that best describes the drinking habits of college students, focusing on their perceptions versus actual behaviors.
3. Analyze each statement by comparing it to research findings in psychology, which show that college students often overestimate their peers' drinking levels.
4. Note that this overestimation can lead to increased personal alcohol consumption due to the desire to conform to perceived social norms.
5. Conclude that the statement highlighting the overestimation of peers' drinking and its effect on personal drinking behavior best describes the drinking habits of college students.