Which term refers to a small circle of close friends in the same social circle?

Which term refers to a small circle of close friends in the same social circle?

• A. Clique
• B. Deviation
• C. Cultural trait
• D. Statistical norm

Answer: (A)

A small circle of close friends within the same social circle is a clique. This term captures the idea of a tightly knit, relatively exclusive subgroup where members share strong, intimate connections and often influence each other’s norms and behavior. The emphasis is on close relationships and limited membership within a larger network of acquaintances, which is exactly what the question describes. The other terms don’t fit this idea. Deviation refers to departing from an established standard or norm, not to a specific subnetwork of friends. A cultural trait is a feature of a culture, such as beliefs or practices, not a particular friend group. A statistical norm is the typical or average pattern within a population, again not about the structure of social circles.

A small circle of close friends within the same social circle is a clique. This term captures the idea of a tightly knit, relatively exclusive subgroup where members share strong, intimate connections and often influence each other’s norms and behavior. The emphasis is on close relationships and limited membership within a larger network of acquaintances, which is exactly what the question describes.

The other terms don’t fit this idea. Deviation refers to departing from an established standard or norm, not to a specific subnetwork of friends. A cultural trait is a feature of a culture, such as beliefs or practices, not a particular friend group. A statistical norm is the typical or average pattern within a population, again not about the structure of social circles.