Descriptive Norms, Pluralistic Ignorance, and Drinking on Campus
Over 40 percent of students drink at least twice a month.
Males are more likely to drink than females (51% vs. 40%).
Pluralistic ignorance plays a role in student drinking.
The typical student erroneously believes that he or she is relatively alone in being uncomfortable with alcohol abuse on campus.
Over time, men shift their opinions to be more consistent with their misperceptions of others.