When two college basketball players turn their back to the U.S. flag during the playing of the national anthem, they:

• A. Violate an informal norm
• B. Violate a formal norm
• C. Followed a norm
• D. Violated a law

Answer: (A)

Showing respect during a national ceremony is guided by social norms. A formal norm is like an official rule or law with consequences if you break it, while informal norms are unwritten expectations that people generally follow in everyday life. Turning away from the flag during the national anthem goes against the unwritten expectation of showing respect at that moment. It’s likely to provoke social disapproval or commentary, but it isn’t illegal or mandated by any formal rule. So this action is best understood as a violation of an informal norm—not following the expected behavior in that social setting.