Question

A(n) _____ is a set of group expectations for appropriate thoughts and behaviors of its members. a. social role b. social norm c. script d. attribution

Short answer

b. Social norm

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Meaning for Each Term

First, define all the terms: social role, social norm, script, and attribution. A social role refers to the part individuals play as members of a social group. Social norm refers to the shared expectations and rules that guide behavior of people within social groups. A script refers to a person’s knowledge about the sequence of events expected in a specific setting. Attribution refers to the process of explaining one's own behavior and the behaviors of others.

Match the Definitions

Next, match these definitions to the phrase in the question: 'a set of group expectations for appropriate thoughts and behaviors of its members'. The phrase matches the definition of social norm.

Choose the Answer

Lastly, choose social norm as the answer because it is the best match for the given definition.

Key concepts

Social Role

Think of social roles as the different parts you play in life. We all belong to various social groups, and each group assigns us specific roles. These roles come with expectations about how we should behave and think.
For example:

• A student’s social role involves attending classes, studying, and participating in school activities.
• A parent’s social role might include taking care of children, providing guidance, and managing household tasks.
• An employee's role includes fulfilling job duties, collaborating with coworkers, and meeting deadlines.

Every role has its own unique set of expectations and responsibilities. Understanding your social roles can help you navigate various social settings by knowing what behaviors are expected of you.
It's helpful to remember that social roles can change over time. As we grow and our lives evolve, the roles we play may shift, requiring us to adjust to new expectations.

Script

A script is like a mental outline of how events should unfold in specific situations. This concept helps us know what to expect and how to act based on previous experiences.
Let's explore this idea:

• Consider the script for dining at a restaurant: You wait to be seated, read the menu, order food, eat, pay the bill, and leave.
• If you're attending a birthday party, the script might include: arriving with a gift, socializing, singing 'Happy Birthday,' eating cake, and leaving when the party winds down.

The scripts we develop help us manage everyday life efficiently. They reduce uncertainty by providing a sequence of expected events.
Scripts can vary based on cultural differences, personal experiences, or social contexts. It’s vital to be flexible and adapt your scripts when situations change.

Attribution

Attribution is the way we explain the causes of behavior and events. It's about figuring out why someone did something or why something happened.
Here are some key points about attribution:

• We often make attributions about others. For example, if a friend is late to a meeting, you might think they're irresponsible (a personal attribution) or got stuck in traffic (a situational attribution).
• Attributions can be positive or negative. They shape our perceptions and reactions to people and events.
• We also make attributions to understand our actions. If you ace a test, you might attribute your success to your hard work (internal attribution) or to the test being easy (external attribution).

Our attributions influence how we feel and behave towards others. Being aware of how you make attributions can improve your interaction skills and help you respond more empathetically. Remember, it's always a good idea to consider multiple factors before making a final attribution.