When Mike decides to have a few beers at home he will drink a six pack watching the game or a movie. When he is out on the town with his fraternity pals he may drink twenty or more beers simply because he doesn't want his frat brothers to think he is a teetotaler. Which sociological concept is the best description of Mike's behavior?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mike's behavior is best described by risky shift, which is the tendency for individuals to take more risks when they are part of a group than they would if they were alone. In this case, Mike is more likely to drink more beers when he is with his fraternity pals because he does not want to be seen as a teetotaler.

When Mike Decides to Have a Few Beers at Home