Definition
Norm can refer to two primary concepts:
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Social Norm: A rule or standard considered to be acceptable behavior in a group or society. Social norms dictate appropriate conduct within a society or group and help in maintaining social order.
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Psychological Norm: In psychology, a norm denotes the average standard of achievement on a test for a selected group. These norms are used as benchmarks to assess individual performance against a pre-determined standard.
Examples
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Social Norm:
- In many cultures, shaking hands when greeting someone is considered a norm.
- Standing in line to wait your turn is a social norm in most societies.
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Psychological Norm:
- Standardized test scores are often based on the norm established by administering the test to a representative sample of the population.
- Developmental milestones in children are established through psychological norms drawn from observing large groups of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the role of norms in society?
Norms help maintain social order and provide guidelines for acceptable behavior, thus facilitating predictability and stability within a group or society.
2. How are psychological norms determined?
Psychological norms are determined by administering standardized tests to a representative sample of a population and analyzing the results to establish benchmarks.
3. Can norms change over time?
Yes, social norms can evolve as societal values and beliefs change. Psychological norms can also change with advancements in our understanding of human behavior and cognition.
4. How do norms influence individual behavior?
Norms influence individual behavior by setting expectations for what is considered acceptable, thereby guiding individuals towards compliance to avoid social sanctions.
5. Are norms the same in every culture?
No, norms can vary significantly between cultures based on differing values, beliefs, and practices.
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Socialization: The process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms and values of their society.
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Deviation: Departure from the accepted norms of behavior in a society or group.
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Standardization: The process of implementing and developing standards based on the consensus of groups, addressing norms within a broader context of quality and efficiency.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Social Norms” by Cristina Bicchieri
- “Psychometrics: An Introduction” by R. Michael Furr
- “The Nature of Norms” edited by Vladimir J. Konecni
Fundamentals of NORM: Sociology and Psychology Basics Quiz
### What does a social norm refer to?
- [x] An acceptable behavior or rule in a group or society.
- [ ] A physical law governing interactions.
- [ ] A formal legal statute.
- [ ] An individual psychological description.
> **Explanation:** A social norm refers to an acceptable behavior or rule within a group or society that helps maintain order and predictability.
### How are psychological norms commonly established?
- [ ] Through historical analysis.
- [ ] Analyzing natural events.
- [x] Administering standardized tests to a group.
- [ ] Political consensus.
> **Explanation:** Psychological norms are commonly established by administering standardized tests to a representative sample and then analyzing the results to set benchmarks.
### Can social norms vary between cultures?
- [x] Yes
- [ ] No
> **Explanation:** Social norms can vary significantly between cultures based on different values, beliefs, and practices.
### Which of the following is an example of a social norm?
- [ ] A law enforcing traffic regulations.
- [x] Shaking hands when greeting someone.
- [ ] A company policy on leave.
- [ ] Gravitational force laws.
> **Explanation:** Shaking hands when greeting someone is a widely accepted social norm meant to show politeness and acknowledgment.
### What is one key function of norms in society?
- [ ] Creating wealth.
- [ ] Promoting individualism.
- [x] Maintaining social order.
- [ ] Imposing penalties.
> **Explanation:** One of the key functions of norms is maintaining social order by providing guidelines for acceptable behavior.
### What might cause psychological norms to change?
- [ ] Nostalgic practices.
- [x] Advancements in understanding human behavior.
- [ ] Political elections.
- [ ] Yoga and meditation.
> **Explanation:** Psychological norms may change with advancements in our understanding of human behavior and cognition, influenced by ongoing research.
### Who benefits from psychological norms in education?
- [ ] Only test developers.
- [ ] Only teachers.
- [x] Both students and educators.
- [ ] Government officials.
> **Explanation:** Both students and educators benefit as psychological norms help in assessing individual performance and informing instructional decisions.
### Why do norms guide individuals towards compliance?
- [x] To avoid social sanctions.
- [ ] To gain physical strength.
- [ ] To become popular.
- [ ] To win prizes.
> **Explanation:** Norms guide individuals towards compliance to avoid social sanctions, which are the penalties or disapproval one might face for non-conforming behavior.
### What term describes learning norms?
- [x] Socialization
- [ ] Standardization
- [ ] Deviation
- [ ] Normalization
> **Explanation:** Socialization is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms and values of their society.
### What does deviation from social norms indicate?
- [ ] Acceptance
- [x] Departure from accepted behavior.
- [ ] Legal compliance.
- [ ] Increasing wealth.
> **Explanation:** Deviation from social norms indicates a departure from accepted behavior within a group or society.
Thank you for exploring the concept of NORM and challenging yourself with our quiz. Continue to deepen your understanding of societal and psychological principles!
