6.8, 6.9, 6.10 Flashcards
What theory did psychologist Zajonc come up with
The theory behind the influence of others on performance
Define social facilitation (BEDTOP)
The behavioural effects due to others present
Why crowd support often benefits performance for experts but hinders performance for novices
It encourages pro performers, makes it enjoyable + brings out their best but for novices - large crowds can make them nervous
The 4 types of others which, Zajonc suggested, can be present when doing sport
The audience, co-actors, competitors + social reinforcers
Define an audience
Those watching the event, either live or on T.V
The effect of the presence of an audience on performers
It causes pressure
Define co-actors
Those who are doing the same task at the same time but aren’t involved in direct competition
A casual running example of 2 co-actors
2 joggers passing each other on opposite sides of the road
What are competitors also known as
Competitive co-actors
Define competitors
Those who are in direct competition
Define social reinforcers
Those who have a direct influence on the event/performance + their presence = part of the event
An example of a social reinforcer
A coach
The 2 categories of others who are present during sport
Passive + interactive
Define passive others
Those whose presence doesn’t exert a direct influence on the event
The main effect of the presence of passive others
Increased arousal
Why the presence of passive others causes increased arousal
As the performer is aware they’re being watched
The 2 types of passive others
The audience + co-actors
Define interactive others
Those who are actively involved in the event + can give encouragement, advice + can cause distractions
2 possible benefits of the presence of interactive others
They can offer encouragement + advice
A possible negative effect which the presence of interactive others can have on performance
They can cause distractions
What 2 factors determine the way in which a performer responds to being watched
The performer’s level of experience + the degree of difficulty of the task
Define social inhibition
The negative effect of the presence of others on performance
Define social facilitation
The +ve effect of the presence of others on performance
What 2 factors make social inhibition more likely
If the performer is a beginner (due to non-existent dominant response) or if the task is complex