Norms in psychology are best described as:

Norms in psychology refer to the rules and expectations that govern behavior within a particular group or society. These norms dictate what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior and can vary widely between cultures and communities. Understanding social norms is crucial in psychology because they influence individual behavior, social interactions, and the overall functioning of a group.

The concept of norms helps to frame how people are expected to act in various situations, making them an essential part of social psychology. These rules may be explicit, such as laws or regulations, or implicit, such as unwritten social cues. By recognizing these norms, individuals can navigate social contexts more effectively and maintain social harmony.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of norms in psychology. While universal laws of human behavior suggest a more rigid framework, norms are often context-dependent and can vary between different cultural or social settings. Random social patterns do not capture the structured nature of norms, and statistical averages, while they can describe trends in behavior, do not encapsulate the normative aspect of societal rules and expectations.