Final answer:
Most religious leaders conform to the norms of their religion through internalization, which involves deeply accepting and incorporating the group's beliefs and norms into their value system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the following best explains why most religious leaders conform to the norms of their religion. The best explanation for this is internalization, which is when individuals accept the beliefs and norms of a group and make them part of their belief system, often because they believe the group is competent and has the correct information. It is important to note that conformity can come through different forms of social influence.
In the context of religious leaders, internalization is a deeper form of conformity compared to compliance, which is about outwardly going along with a norm, or identification, where conformity is driven by a desire to be like another person or group. Informational social influence occurs when people conform because they believe the group is right, which can be seen in newer or ambiguous situations. However, religious leaders often have a strong understanding and conviction in their faith, leading to internalization of the religion's norms and teachings.