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Social facilitation refers to the enhancement of performance in the presence of others from "summary" of The Handbook of Social Psychology by Daniel Todd Gilbert,Susan T. Fiske,Gardner Lindzey
Social facilitation is a phenomenon where the presence of others can influence an individual's performance. This effect has been studied in various contexts, such as sports events, academic settings, and work environments. Research has shown that the presence of an audience can lead to an enhancement of performance on simple or well-learned tasks, a concept known as "social facilitation."The presence of others can create a sense of arousal and stimulation, which can improve performance on tasks that individuals are already proficient at. For example, a skilled basketball player may perform better in front of a crowd because the audience provides extra motivation and energy. This phenomenon is believed to be driven by the individual's desire to impress others and meet social expectations. On the other hand, the presence of an audience can also have a detrimental effect on performance for complex or novel tasks. In these situations, individuals may experience heightened anxiety and self-consciousness, leading to a decline in performance. This is known as "social inhibition," where the pressure of being watched can impair an individual's ability to concentrate and perform well. The effects of social facilitation can vary depending on factors such as the size and composition of the audience, the individual's level of expertise, and the nature of the task being performed. Understanding these factors is crucial for predicting when social facilitation will lead to enhanced performance and when it may have a negative impact.- Social facilitation is a complex phenomenon that highlights the intricate ways in which social interactions can influence individual behavior and performance. By studying the effects of the presence of others on performance, researchers can gain valuable insights into the dynamics of social influence and motivation.
