Which statement reflects a predisposing social norm that increases the likelihood of a student engaging in risky behavior?

Which statement reflects a predisposing social norm that increases the likelihood of a student engaging in risky behavior?

• A. Everyone does it
• B. My mother would throw a fit
• C. I bet I get away with it
• D. Chances are we wouldn't get caught

Answer: (A)

A social norm that makes risky behavior seem acceptable is when people perceive that most others are doing it. The statement “Everyone does it” signals that the behavior is common and approved by peers, which can lower the perceived risk and encourage conformity. This peer-based normalization is what raises the likelihood of a student engaging in the behavior. In contrast, the idea that “My mother would throw a fit” reflects parental disapproval rather than a norm among peers, while beliefs like “I bet I get away with it” or “Chances are we wouldn’t get caught” focus on personal risk or the temptation of evading punishment rather than social acceptance.

A social norm that makes risky behavior seem acceptable is when people perceive that most others are doing it. The statement “Everyone does it” signals that the behavior is common and approved by peers, which can lower the perceived risk and encourage conformity. This peer-based normalization is what raises the likelihood of a student engaging in the behavior.

In contrast, the idea that “My mother would throw a fit” reflects parental disapproval rather than a norm among peers, while beliefs like “I bet I get away with it” or “Chances are we wouldn’t get caught” focus on personal risk or the temptation of evading punishment rather than social acceptance.