Psychology MCAT 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct response highlights that social norms are essentially unwritten rules that govern behavior within a group, while social roles refer to the expected behaviors associated with specific positions or statuses individuals hold within that group.

Social norms serve as the collective guidelines for what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior within a social context, influencing the actions and interactions of individuals within that group. They affect how members of the group behave towards each other, promoting cohesion and consistency in societal interactions.

On the other hand, social roles provide a framework for individuals within a group based on their specific positions. Each role entails certain expectations for behavior, which can include duties and responsibilities. For example, a teacher has a role that comes with expectations around how they should interact with students, while a student has a different set of expectations based on their role.

This distinction is crucial in understanding social dynamics, as social roles can change depending on context, while social norms often remain more consistent across situations. Recognizing that norms guide group behavior while roles dictate individual behavior clarifies how both concepts interact within social psychology.