Ralphie and his siblings were always taught by their parents to show nothing but respect toward older people, even when those older people were unkind. Ralphie's parents were attempting to establish _____ for Ralphie and his siblings.

• A. incentives
• B. display rules
• C. motives
• D. instincts

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Ralphie's parents are teaching their children how to behave in specific social situations, particularly with older people.
2. Identify the concept: The question is asking about a psychological concept related to behavior regulation in social contexts.
3. Consider the options: 'Incentives' refer to external rewards, 'motives' are internal drives, 'instincts' are innate behaviors, and 'display rules' are social norms about expressing emotions.
4. Analyze the situation: Ralphie's parents are not providing rewards (incentives) or discussing internal drives (motives) or innate behaviors (instincts). They are teaching social norms.
5. Conclude with the concept: The correct term for teaching children how to express emotions appropriately in social contexts is 'display rules.'