Violating a Social Norm Activity

Social Psychology Activity

Directions: Choose one of the following:

1)You and a partner will violate three social norms. You may use the suggestions below or come up with your own. One of you will either be the social norm violator (for lack of a better word) or the observer. When you have finished, write a one-page typed paper detailing the following reactions:

-The “violater’s” reaction to violating the norm.

-The reactions of those being violated and others around the situation.

Here are some examples of social norms you can violate:

• Get on a bus and ask another passenger for his or her seat
• Stand on an escalator step with another person
• Face the rear of an elevator with passengers on it
• Sit in the empty chair at an occupied table in a restaurant
• Break in line at a checkout counter
• Call an authority figure by his or her first name
• Skip instead of walk through a store while shopping
• Speak in a loud voice to a salesperson
• Speak to someone within four to six inches of his or her face

NOTE: If someone asks you to stop the norm violation, you must do so.

Do NOT antagonize others for fun or do anything illegal!

2) You’ve seen Pay it Forward, right?! Do something out of the ordinary for someone, not expecting anything in return (altruism). You must choose three things here as well. When you have finished, write a one-page typed paper detailing the following reactions:

-How it made you feel.

-The reaction of the personand others around the situation.

Here are some examples:

• Give someone you do not know flowers
• Give someone a magazine or book you are done reading.
• Simply hold open the door for someone behind you and let them step in first. Bonus points if it's cold, raining, or you're in a really big hurry. ;-)
• If you have a great waiter or waitress, go out of your way to let them personally know how much you appreciate them. We humans are quick to complain, but usually accept great service with no recognition. Try asking your waiter for the manager. When he or she brings back his/her boss, tell the manager what an excellent employee they hired. It doesn't hurt to give a generous tip as well.
• Visit an elderly person in need of assistance or a visit.
• Walk someone's dog
• Rake someone's leaves.
• Bring some goodies to the fire station
• Buy the movie tickets for the person behind you.
• Babysit for free

*You cannot tell them it was for a project!