Which of the following best defines the term 'norms' in social psychology?

The term 'norms' in social psychology refers to the shared expectations of behavior in a given context. Norms serve as unwritten rules within a group, guiding how members are expected to behave in various situations. These expectations help maintain order and predictability within social interactions, as they outline acceptable behaviors and attitudes that members of the group generally agree upon.

For example, in a classroom setting, norms may include raising a hand to speak, listening when others are talking, and arriving on time. These shared expectations contribute to social cohesion and facilitate cooperation among group members, as they create a common understanding of how to behave.

While formal regulations of behavior could be related to norms, they represent more explicit and codified rules rather than the underlying shared expectations that shape daily interactions. Characteristics that make a group distinct focus on differentiating features rather than the behavioral guidelines established among group members. A measure of cognitive consistency relates more to individual psychological processes than to the broader social expectations that norms embody. Therefore, the definition focusing on shared expectations most accurately captures the essence of what norms represent in social psychology.