What does a behavioral norm refer to in an interview?

A behavioral norm in the context of an interview primarily pertains to how the subject typically presents themselves through their appearance, mannerisms, speech patterns, and overall demeanor. This baseline behavior is crucial for interviewers as it allows them to gauge deviations from the norm, which may indicate stress, deception, or other psychological states during the interview process.

Understanding a subject’s regular behavior helps interviewers establish a reference point. For instance, if a subject usually speaks confidently and maintains good eye contact but suddenly becomes evasive or overly anxious, these changes can signal that something might be amiss. By recognizing these behavioral norms, interviewers can tailor their approach, further investigate inconsistencies, or adjust their interviewing techniques to elicit more information.

The other options focus on aspects such as the content of responses, intelligence reflection, or reactions to specific stressors, which while relevant, do not encompass the broader and more foundational concept of behavioral norms that encompasses how individuals generally act and present themselves in various situations.