In the context of AP Psychology, what is the best definition of a 'norm'?

• A. A type of reinforcement used to increase desired behaviors
• B. A statistical measure of central tendency
• C. A standard or rule for accepted and expected behavior within a group or society
• D. A psychological disorder characterized by abnormal thoughts and behaviors

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the term 'norm' within psychology, particularly social psychology, where it refers to shared expectations about behavior in a group or society.
2. Step 2: Recognize that 'norms' are not related to reinforcement techniques, which are methods used in behaviorism to increase or decrease behaviors.
3. Step 3: Differentiate 'norms' from statistical measures like central tendency (mean, median, mode), which describe data distributions rather than social rules.
4. Step 4: Exclude definitions related to psychological disorders, as 'norm' does not describe abnormal thoughts or behaviors but rather accepted standards.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best definition of a 'norm' is a standard or rule for accepted and expected behavior within a group or society.