In social psychology, group norms are _____________________.

• A. the formal rules written by an organization
• B. shared expectations about how members of a group should behave
• C. individual personality traits that influence group decisions
• D. the physical arrangement of people in a group setting

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that group norms in social psychology refer to the shared expectations or rules within a group that guide the behavior of its members.
2. Recognize that group norms are not formal written rules, but rather informal guidelines that develop naturally among group members.
3. Differentiate group norms from individual personality traits, which are personal characteristics rather than collective expectations.
4. Note that group norms are also distinct from the physical arrangement of people, which relates more to group dynamics or environmental factors.
5. Conclude that the best definition of group norms is 'shared expectations about how members of a group should behave,' as it captures the essence of social influence within groups.