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Marcus likes to drink beer and drive fast. He knows that it is generally dangerous for other people to drink and drive, but he believes he is an especially skillful driver and can do so without risk of injury. Which one of the following concepts best helps us explain Marcus's behavior?

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Final answer:

Marcus's belief that he can drink and drive without consequences is an example of optimism bias and cognitive dissonance, as he underestimates the risks due to a perceived exceptional skill. This contrasts with societal norms against such behavior and reflects a deviant attitude to the laws intended to prevent driving under the influence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Marcus's confidence in his driving abilities despite the general dangers of drinking and driving can be explained through a concept known as optimism bias. This is the belief that each individual is less likely to experience negative outcomes compared to others. Quite often in social studies, we encounter situations where people underestimate the risks associated with certain behaviors because they believe they possess special skills or have control over the situation. A similar concept is cognitive dissonance, where Marcus might be trying to justify his risky behavior by focusing on his perceived driving abilities, despite the obvious dangers and societal norms against drinking and driving.

Furthermore, from a sociological perspective, there is a concept of deviance that helps explain Marcus's behavior. He may not consider the act of drinking and driving as deviant as it is for others due to his perception of self-skills which contradicts the formal norms set by society that are enforced by law. Marcus's actions show a dissonance between his personal beliefs and societal norms.

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