Social Norms, Deviance, and Sanctions (7B) Practice Test

In a social experiment conducted on a university campus, confederates entered a quiet library reading room where posted signage requested “Keep voices low; phone calls outside.” Each confederate engaged in one of two behaviors for 2 minutes: (Condition 1) speaking at conversational volume on a phone call at their desk, or (Condition 2) silently texting. Observers coded bystander responses as (a) no response, (b) informal sanction (e.g., glare, “shh,” direct request to stop), or (c) formal sanction (e.g., reporting to staff). Results: Condition 1 yielded 48% informal sanctions and 12% formal sanctions; Condition 2 yielded 6% informal sanctions and 0% formal sanctions. Based on the scenario, which sanction would most likely result from the deviant behavior in Condition 1?

A city transit authority implemented a policy evaluation to reduce “fare evasion” on buses. The policy introduced random inspections and a $75 civil citation for riders unable to show proof of payment. In the first month, inspectors recorded two behaviors: (1) riders boarding through the rear door without tapping a card, and (2) riders tapping but then transferring their card to a friend to tap again. The authority emphasized that the norm is “each rider pays their own fare,” not merely “a tap occurs.” Based on the policy and stated norm, which action most likely represents a deviation from the described social norm?