Social Facilitation

Question 1

Social Facilitation theory

Answer 1

Investigates the effect that others have on performance (watching or competing)

> The presence of others can either facilitate or inhibit an athletes performance

Question 2

Zajonc’s acronym

Answer 2

BEDTOP:
Behavioural
Effects
Due
To
Others
Present

Question 3

Passive presence:

Answer 3

> Audience
Co-actors

Question 4

Interactive presence:

Answer 4

> Competitive co-actors
Social reinforcers

Question 5

The audience

Answer 5

(Passive)
> People watching, either as spectators or a TV audience
> Presence causes pressure

Question 6

Co-actors:

Answer 6

(Passive)
> Those doing the same task but are not involved in direct competition
> e.g. joggers, ball boys

Question 7

Competitive co-actors:

Answer 7

(Interactive)
> In direct competition
> e.g. athletes in 100m race

Question 8

Social reinforcers:

Answer 8

(Interactive)
> Have a direct influence on performance, presence is part of the event
> e.g. coach

Question 9

Facilitation

Answer 9

> The presence of others has a positive effect on performance
Arousal increases
Gross/simple skills or autonomous performers have correct dominant learned response

Question 10

Inhibition

Answer 10

> The presence of others has a negative effect on performer > Arousal increases
Fine/complex skills or cognitive learners have incorrect dominant learned response

Question 11

Evaluation Apprehension - Cottrell

Answer 11

The perceived fear of being judged
> When an audience is perceived as evaluating performance

Question 12

When evaluation apprehension occurs:

Answer 12

> If spectators are known to the player (family)
Low self esteem or perceived low ability
Expert presence - scouts
High stakes event - finals
Rowdy/quiet audience - psychological impact
- CAN BE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE

Question 13

Effects of social facilitation on performance:

Answer 13

> Homefield advantage/disadvantage - praise/backlash from passionate fans
Personality: High anxiety, introverts, Naf suffer, Low anxiety, extroverts, Nach benefit
Experience: Elite athletes - correct dominant response, Novices - incorrect dominant response
Activity: Simple/gross benefit, complex/fine suffer

Question 14

Distraction effect:

Answer 14

The nature of the audience can affect the arousal level of the performer
> Noisy

Question 15

Proximity effect:

Answer 15

The physical proximity of the audience can effect arousal level
> May feel reassured/pressured

Question 16

Size of crowd:

Answer 16

Larger audience increases chance of social inhibition

Question 17

Strategies to prevent social inhibition:

Answer 17

1) Building familiarity with performing in front of a crowd
2) Gradually introducing evaluation
3) Improving focus and concentration - selective attention