It is 3 a.m. and Tracy is driving home from work when she comes to an intersection where the light is red. Although she can see no other cars on the road in any direction, Tracy waits until the light turns green. Sociologically, this is an example of:
A) deterrence.
B) internal means of control.
C) external means of control.
D) sanctions.
E) operant conditioning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tracy's decision to follow the traffic signal even though no other cars were present demonstrates her internal means of control or internalized adherence to societal norms and values. This internalization is a result of socialization and the influence of social institutions like the family, schools, and media. Tracy is following her internal means of control by abiding by the traffic laws and waiting for the green light, even though there is no immediate external pressure to do so. This demonstrates the influence of societal norms and values on individual behavior.

It Is 3 AM