Which of the following illustrates how peers can influence adolescent behavior?

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Peers influence adolescent behavior through social influence and group norms, a powerful force when teens seek acceptance. This dynamic can steer behavior in two directions: it can promote positive, pro-social activities like study groups and collaboration, helping with academic and social success; it can also encourage risk-taking, such as experimenting with substances, especially when those behaviors are valued within the peer group. This dual effect shows why the concept is best illustrated by how peers shape both positive and negative actions through the norms and expectations of the group.

The idea that peers always discourage risk-taking isn’t accurate, because peer groups can normalize or even reward risky behaviors. The notion that peers determine cognitive development rate isn’t supported; cognitive development is driven by a mix of biology, environment, and experiences, not simply by peers. And the claim that peers have no impact on behavior contradicts a large body of evidence showing strong peer influence during adolescence.