{"id":191,"date":"2025-12-12T13:09:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T21:09:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/mac\/?page_id=191"},"modified":"2025-12-18T14:52:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T22:52:05","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-to-get-started","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/mac\/social-norms-campaign-design-competition\/what-you-need-to-know-to-get-started\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know to Get Started"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What You Need to Know to Get Started<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n

What Are Social Norms? <\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social norms are the shared beliefs within a group about how people typically behave\u00a0(<\/span>descriptive norms<\/span><\/i>) and\u00a0the\u00a0behaviors\u00a0that\u00a0are socially approved or expected (<\/span>injunctive norms<\/span><\/i>). In college settings, these norms strongly influence how students think, feel, and act, especially around health behaviors such as substance use, studying, sleep, and social life.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Do Social Norms Matter? <\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many students misperceive their peers\u2019 substance use and patterns. For example, they might assume \u201ceveryone drinks heavily,\u201d when most students do not. These misperceptions can unintentionally increase risky behaviors because people often adjust their actions to fit what they believe is \u201cnormal.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social norms campaigns work to correct those false\u00a0perceptions\u00a0by sharing\u00a0accurate\u00a0data. When students see evidence that most of their peers make safe or balanced choices,\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0more likely to align their own behavior with that reality.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s\u00a0take a closer look at \u201cWhat Are Social Norms!\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

REQUIRED Learning Video<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before creating your campaign materials, please watch the following short video (linked below) to better understand how social norms influence behavior and how social norms campaigns are used in health communication. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Video: \u201cWhat Are Social Norms?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Note:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0You must watch this video before\u00a0submitting\u00a0your campaign materials.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Connecting to Strength-Based Messaging\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A social norms approach focuses\u00a0on\u00a0positive,\u00a0accurate\u00a0representations\u00a0of behavior rather than fear-based or problem-focused narratives.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By highlighting the healthy actions that already exist in student populations, campaigns\u00a0promote\u00a0confidence, belonging, and positive peer influence, key\u00a0factors for\u00a0health\u00a0behavior change.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using the Data Sheet<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As part of your campaign submission, you must include\u00a0<\/span>at least one statistic\u00a0<\/span><\/b>from the Social Norms Data Sheet provided. These data points come from a WSU-based research study that surveyed WSU students and reflect\u00a0accurate, evidence-based information about student behaviors and attitudes related to alcohol use. Your selected\u00a0statistic\u00a0should be integrated clearly and accurately into your poster or digital content to support your campaign message.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When choosing your data:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n