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A randomized test of a small-group interactive social norms intervention
Daniel William Reilly1, Mark David Wood
1University of Tennessee's Safety, Environment, and Education (SEE) Center, Knoxville, TN 37996-4800, USA. dreilly@utk.edu
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|August 7, 2008
Summary
This study found that interactive small-group social norms correction significantly changed college students' perceptions of drinking behaviors. However, it did not impact actual alcohol use, suggesting its potential as a preliminary intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Higher Education
Background:
- Social norms interventions are common for college student drinking.
- Small-group normative feedback is a popular but under-validated approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test an interactive small-group social norms correction intervention.
- To compare its effects against a noninteractive approach on alcohol perceptions and behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Randomized design with 502 first-year students.
- Hierarchical linear modeling due to classroom-level assignment.
- Intervention focused on normative feedback in small groups.
Main Results:
- The intervention substantially influenced student perceptions of norms.
- No significant influence was found on alcohol use behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Interactive small-group social norms correction can alter misperceptions.
- It may serve as a primer for broader preventive strategies.
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