Certified Prevention Specialist CPS Practice Exam

The correct answer, which identifies the term for the attitudes a community holds regarding policies on drug use and crime, is community norms. Community norms encompass the shared beliefs, values, and expectations within a community that influence behaviors and attitudes toward various issues, including drug use and criminal activity. These norms can significantly impact the effectiveness of prevention strategies, as they shape how community members perceive and respond to policies related to substance use and crime.

When understanding community responses, it’s essential to recognize that these norms dictate what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior within the community context. For instance, if a community norm promotes the view that drug use is detrimental to societal well-being, it may lead to greater community support for strict drug policies and preventive measures.

Quantitative data refers to numerical information used to analyze behaviors or trends but does not capture the subjective attitudes of a community. Agent generally refers to an individual or factor that influences change or actions, which does not specifically describe attitudes toward community policy. Patterns of consumption involve trends in how substances are used but do not directly reflect community beliefs or attitudes towards them.