In social psychology, a script is best defined as which of the following?

• A. A stable personality trait that makes a person more likely to help others in need
• B. A state of discomfort caused by holding two inconsistent beliefs at the same time
• C. A broad general belief about a social group that is applied to individual members
• D. A mental framework for the expected sequence of events in a familiar situation (e.g., the typical steps in ordering at a restaurant)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key term in the question: 'script' in the context of social psychology.
2. Recall that in social psychology, a 'script' refers to a mental framework or schema that guides behavior in familiar situations.
3. Understand that scripts help individuals know what to expect and how to behave in specific social contexts, such as ordering food at a restaurant.
4. Differentiate 'script' from other concepts like personality traits, cognitive dissonance, and stereotypes, which are distinct psychological constructs.
5. Conclude that the best definition of a 'script' is: a mental framework for the expected sequence of events in a familiar situation.