Social Norms and Culture: Uncover the Unwritten Rules of Society

Question 1

Define social norms, ensuring clarity and precision.

Accepted Answer

Unwritten rules governing behaviour in society

Answer

Legal rules enforced by authorities

Answer

Personal beliefs or values

Answer

Traditions passed down through generations

Question 2

Which approach has proven most effective in driving positive social change by challenging harmful norms and fostering inclusive practices?

Accepted Answer

Community organizing and grassroots movements

Answer

Legal sanctions and punishments

Answer

Individual therapy and counseling

Answer

Media campaigns and public awareness

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a key characteristic of social norms?

Accepted Answer

They are unwritten and enforced by society through various mechanisms.

Answer

They are formal and explicitly written rules.

Answer

They are identical across all cultures and societies.

Answer

They are impossible to modify or change over time.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a descriptive norm?

Accepted Answer

Most people in this community do not approve of smoking in public places.

Answer

Murder is illegal and should be punished.

Answer

Children should respect their elders.

Answer

It is wrong to steal because it violates the rights of others.

Question 5

How do social norms vary across cultures?

Accepted Answer

They can differ in terms of content, strength, and enforcement mechanisms.

Answer

They are universally the same in all societies.

Answer

They only vary significantly in non-Western cultures.

Answer

They are unaffected by cultural context and remain constant across societies.

Question 6

Analyze the multifaceted nature of social norms, considering their contributions to social order as well as their potential negative effects on individuals and society.

Accepted Answer

Social norms have both positive and negative consequences, shaping social order and influencing individual experiences.

Answer

Social norms exclusively have positive outcomes, promoting social harmony and cooperation.

Answer

Social norms solely have negative consequences, hindering social advancement and personal growth.

Question 7

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of social norms?

Accepted Answer

They are unwritten and informal.

Answer

They are explicitly stated in writing.

Answer

They are always enforced by legal authorities.

Answer

They are universally applicable across all cultures.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social norms?

Accepted Answer

They are always universally accepted and unchanging.

Answer

They are unwritten rules of conduct.

Answer

They are informal and often unspoken.

Answer

They can be either positive or negative.

Question 9

Which theory proposes that individuals conform to social norms to gain rewards and avoid punishments?

Accepted Answer

Social Exchange Theory

Answer

Social Identity Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Social Cognitive Theory

Question 10

What is the key difference between explicit and implicit social norms?

Accepted Answer

Explicit norms are clearly stated, while implicit norms are learned through experience.

Answer

Explicit norms are universal, while implicit norms vary across cultures.

Answer

Implicit norms are more influential than explicit norms.

Answer

Explicit norms are vague, while implicit norms are specific.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of social norms?

Accepted Answer

They are always enforced through formal sanctions.

Answer

They are unwritten rules and expectations within a society.

Answer

They can vary across cultures.

Answer

They influence our behavior, thoughts, and emotions.

Question 12

Which of the following illustrates a social norm within the United States?

Accepted Answer

Greeting people with a handshake or hug.

Answer

Driving on the left side of the road.

Answer

Consuming food with chopsticks.

Answer

Taking off your shoes before entering a classroom.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a descriptive social norm?

Accepted Answer

Saying 'excuse me' when interrupting someone

Answer

Voting in presidential elections

Answer

Avoiding eye contact with strangers on the subway

Answer

Tipping a waiter 20%

Question 14

How do social norms vary across different cultures?

Accepted Answer

They can vary in content, strength, and scope

Answer

They are largely universal and consistent across all cultures

Answer

They are only found in Western societies

Answer

They do not exist in non-Western cultures

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a prosocial social norm?

Accepted Answer

Donating to charity

Answer

Cheating on a test

Answer

Gossiping about others

Answer

Stealing from a store

Question 16

Which of the following is a factor that can contribute to the challenging and changing of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Social movements

Accepted Answer

Technological advancements

Accepted Answer

Individual agency

Answer

Peer pressure

Question 17

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of social norms?

Accepted Answer

They are unwritten rules that influence behavior in society.

Answer

They are identical across all cultures.

Answer

They are enforced solely by legal authorities.

Answer

They are always explicitly stated.

Question 18

In a culture where collectivism is highly valued, which of the following behaviors would be considered a violation of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing individual goals over group goals.

Answer

Expressing emotions openly.

Answer

Conforming to group expectations.

Answer

Seeking help from others.

Question 19

How do social norms influence our thoughts, emotions, and behavior?

Accepted Answer

They shape our expectations, self-perceptions, and guide our actions.

Answer

They only have an impact on our observable behavior.

Answer

They solely affect our inner thoughts and emotions.

Answer

They have no influence on our cognition or emotion.

Question 20

How can social norms change over time?

Accepted Answer

Through social movements, technological advancements, and cultural shifts.

Answer

Only through government intervention and legislation.

Answer

Only through religious teachings and moral revolutions.

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of an injunctive norm?

Accepted Answer

You should always be honest.

Answer

It is forbidden to steal.

Answer

Most people in my neighborhood exercise regularly.

Question 22

How do social norms affect our behavior in social groups?

Accepted Answer

They facilitate coordination, cooperation, and adherence to group goals.

Answer

They have no impact on our behavior in groups.

Answer

They hinder our ability to express ourselves and interact freely.

Answer

They only affect our behavior in small, intimate groups.

Question 23

How can we leverage our understanding of social norms to promote positive behavior change?

Accepted Answer

By designing interventions that align with existing norms or create new, desirable norms.

Answer

By ignoring social norms and solely focusing on individual change.

Answer

By enforcing strict punishments for violating social norms.

Question 24

In Western cultures, which action is generally considered a social norm?

Accepted Answer

Shaking hands upon introduction

Answer

Eating with chopsticks in a formal setting

Answer

Burping loudly after a meal

Question 25

How do social norms impact our behavior?

Accepted Answer

They establish guidelines for appropriate conduct in various situations.

Answer

They have no influence on our actions.

Answer

They restrict our individuality and self-expression.

Question 26

What are potential consequences of violating a social norm?

Accepted Answer

Disapproval, rejection, or even legal repercussions

Answer

No negative outcomes

Answer

Consequences only for the individual who violates the norm

Question 27

Which of these is an example of an implicit social norm?

Accepted Answer

The unspoken expectation to tip a restaurant server

Answer

Explicit laws against murder

Answer

Mandatory uniforms in certain professions

Question 28

According to social learning theory, how do individuals acquire social norms?

Accepted Answer

Through observing and imitating the behaviors of others

Answer

Social norms are inherited through genetics.

Answer

Social norms are explicitly taught by authority figures only.

Question 29

What is a characteristic of injunctive norms?

Accepted Answer

They prescribe what individuals ought to do in specific situations.

Answer

They describe typical behaviors observed in certain situations.

Answer

They are not enforced by social consequences.

Question 30

Which factors can contribute to the evolution of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Technological advancements, social movements, and globalization

Answer

Only natural disasters can lead to changes in social norms.

Answer

Social norms remain static and unchanging.

Question 31

How do social norms contribute to the regulation of behavior within society?

Accepted Answer

They establish a framework for acceptable and expected conduct.

Answer

They are ineffective in shaping behavior.

Answer

They solely apply to criminals and deviant individuals.

Question 32

Which of the following accurately describes a strong social norm?

Accepted Answer

Generally high compliance and minimal variation in behavior

Answer

Generally low compliance and substantial variation in behavior

Answer

Generally high compliance and substantial variation in behavior

Answer

Generally low compliance and minimal variation in behavior

Question 33

In what way do social norms influence our cognitive processes?

Accepted Answer

They establish expectations and boundaries for our thoughts and behaviors

Answer

They suppress our individuality and unique perspectives

Answer

They stifle creativity and imaginative thinking

Answer

They prevent us from developing our own thoughts and values

Question 34

In what ways do social norms vary across different cultures?

Accepted Answer

They can differ in their content, strength, and associated consequences

Answer

They vary only in terms of their content

Answer

They vary only in terms of their consequences

Answer

They vary only in terms of their strength

Question 35

What is a potential consequence of violating a social norm?

Accepted Answer

Social rejection or punishment

Answer

Career advancement

Answer

Financial gain

Answer

Increased social popularity

Question 36

How do social norms contribute to cooperation and social order?

Accepted Answer

They provide predictability and reduce uncertainty in social interactions

Answer

They encourage extreme individualism and self-interest

Answer

They create a sense of social isolation and alienation

Question 37

Which of the following factors can influence the strength of a social norm?

Accepted Answer

Enforcement mechanisms, social consensus, and perceived benefits

Answer

Social consensus alone

Answer

Enforcement mechanisms alone

Question 38

Through which processes can social norms be changed?

Accepted Answer

Socialization, persuasion, and technological advancements

Answer

Socialization alone

Answer

Persuasion alone

Question 39

What is a potential ethical concern associated with social norms?

Accepted Answer

They have the potential to suppress individuality and diversity

Answer

They are always based on sound moral principles

Answer

They always promote social harmony and unity

Answer

They never lead to conflict or social tension

Question 40

How do social norms interact with our personal beliefs and values?

Accepted Answer

They can reinforce, conflict with, or shape our personal beliefs and values

Answer

They always conflict with our personal beliefs and values

Answer

They always reinforce our personal beliefs and values

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of social norms?

Accepted Answer

They are universally applicable across all cultures.

Answer

They shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Answer

They are unwritten rules guiding behavior.

Answer

They can evolve over time.

Question 42

In what way do social norms vary across cultures?

Accepted Answer

They differ in terms of what behaviors are considered acceptable or unacceptable.

Answer

They are identical across all cultures.

Answer

They only differ in their level of formality.

Question 43

Which of the following is an illustration of a social norm in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Shaking hands upon meeting someone for the first time.

Answer

Wearing a hijab in public.

Answer

Arranging marriages for children.

Question 44

How do social norms exert influence on our behavior?

Accepted Answer

They offer guidelines for acceptable conduct and potential consequences for non-compliance.

Answer

Their influence is limited to public settings.

Answer

They have no impact on our behavior.

Question 45

What can be a potential consequence of violating a social norm?

Accepted Answer

Social disapproval or punishment.

Answer

No consequences whatsoever.

Answer

Only positive consequences.

Answer

Consequences only in workplace settings.

Question 46

How can social norms undergo change over time?

Accepted Answer

Through social movements, technological advancements, and evolving values.

Answer

They can only change through government intervention.

Answer

They remain static and unchanging.

Question 47

What fundamental distinction exists between social norms and laws?

Accepted Answer

Social norms are unwritten and informal, while laws are codified and enforced by government entities.

Answer

There is no distinction between social norms and laws.

Answer

Social norms are more significant than laws.

Question 48

In what way do social norms shape our perceptions of others?

Accepted Answer

They influence our expectations and evaluations of others' behavior.

Answer

They only affect our perceptions of people we are close to.

Answer

They have no impact on our perceptions of others.

Question 49

What strategies can we employ to challenge and change social norms?

Accepted Answer

Activism, education, and personal modeling.

Answer

Government intervention is the only way to change social norms.

Answer

We can only change social norms that we personally agree with.

Answer

It is impossible to change social norms.