Which of the following best defines a social role in social psychology?

• A. A social role is a temporary emotional state experienced during group activities.
• B. A social role is the process by which people learn to interact with others through observation.
• C. A social role is an individual's unique personality traits that distinguish them from others.
• D. A social role is a set of expectations, behaviors, and norms associated with a particular position within a group or society.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of a social role in social psychology. A social role refers to the expected behaviors, responsibilities, and norms associated with a particular position or status within a group or society.
2. Step 2: Differentiate social roles from other psychological concepts such as temporary emotional states, learning processes, and personality traits. Recognize that social roles are about expectations linked to social positions, not about emotions, learning methods, or individual personality uniqueness.
3. Step 3: Review each option carefully and identify which one aligns with the definition of social roles. The correct definition should emphasize expectations and behaviors tied to a social position.
4. Step 4: Eliminate options that describe emotional states, learning processes, or personality traits, as these do not capture the essence of social roles in social psychology.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the best definition is the one stating that a social role is a set of expectations, behaviors, and norms associated with a particular position within a group or society.