What term describes how someone’s behavior shifts to fulfill the expectations of a social role?

The term that describes how someone's behavior shifts to fulfill the expectations of a social role is "social role." This concept encompasses the specific patterns of behavior and expectations that society associates with particular positions within different social contexts. For example, an individual may adopt behaviors consistent with the social role of a teacher, such as being authoritative and informative, or that of a friend, which may involve being supportive and trustworthy.

Understanding social roles is crucial in psychology because they illustrate how individuals adjust their behavior based on societal expectations, norms, and context. This adjustment can greatly influence interactions and relationships within various social settings. The other concepts related to social interactions, such as social identity, conformity, and social influence, do not specifically emphasize the behavioral adaptations that are tied to fulfilling the expectations of a defined social role.