An example of the social norms approach includes presenting which type of statement to correct misperceptions?

An example of the social norms approach includes presenting which type of statement to correct misperceptions?

• A. Most students binge drink.
• B. Four out of five high school students do not binge drink.
• C. All students drink alcohol.
• D. Drinking is harmless.

Answer: (B)

The social norms approach focuses on showing what most peers actually do so students realize their perceptions may be off. Presenting that four out of five high school students do not binge drink communicates the real, positive norm—that the majority chooses not to binge drink. This helps reduce the pressure to conform to a misperceived, riskier behavior and encourages safer choices. In contrast, saying that most students binge drink would reinforce the false belief being corrected, claiming all students drink is inaccurate and extreme, and saying drinking is harmless doesn’t address what peers are actually doing.

The social norms approach focuses on showing what most peers actually do so students realize their perceptions may be off. Presenting that four out of five high school students do not binge drink communicates the real, positive norm—that the majority chooses not to binge drink. This helps reduce the pressure to conform to a misperceived, riskier behavior and encourages safer choices. In contrast, saying that most students binge drink would reinforce the false belief being corrected, claiming all students drink is inaccurate and extreme, and saying drinking is harmless doesn’t address what peers are actually doing.