Which term refers to rewards and punishments for behaviors that align with or violate societal norms?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that refers to rewards and punishments for behaviors that align with or violate societal norms is "sanctions." Sanctions serve as mechanisms through which societies enforce their norms and values. They can take on various forms, such as positive sanctions (rewards for conforming to norms) and negative sanctions (punishments for violating norms), making them essential for maintaining social order.

While "normative sanctions" also relates to societal norms, it is more specific and typically includes the mechanisms of enforcement. "Positive reinforcement" refers specifically to the introduction of a rewarding stimulus following a desired behavior, which is a narrower concept. "Behavioral consequences" is a broader term that encompasses the outcomes of any behavior, not specifically tied to societal norms or expectations. Therefore, "sanctions" as a term effectively encapsulates the idea of societal rewards and punishments.