Social Facilitation Flashcards
What is the social facilitation theory?
Investigates the effect that others have on performance (watching or competing)
> The presence of others can either facilitate or inhibit an athletes performance
What is Zajonc’s acronym?
BEDTOP:
Behavioural
Effects
Due
To
Others
Present
What has passive presence?
> Audience
Co-actors
What is interactive presence?
> Competitive co-actors
Social reinforcers
What is the impact of the audience on performance?
(Passive)
> People watching, either as spectators or a TV audience
> Presence causes pressure
What are co-actors?
(Passive)
> Those doing the same task but are not involved in direct competition
> e.g. joggers, ball boys
What are competitive o-actors?
(Interactive)
> In direct competition
> e.g. athletes in 100m race
What are social reinforcers?
(Interactive)
> Have a direct influence on performance, presence is part of the event
> e.g. coach
What is facilitation?
> The presence of others has a positive effect on performance
Arousal increases
Gross/simple skills or autonomous performers have correct dominant learned response
What is inhibition?
> The presence of others has a negative effect on performer > Arousal increases
Fine/complex skills or cognitive learners have incorrect dominant learned response
What is evaluation apprehension - Cottrell?
The perceived fear of being judged
> When an audience is perceived as evaluating performance
When does evaluation apprehension occur?
> 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
What are the effects of social facilitation on performance?
> 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
What is the distraction effect?
The nature of the audience can affect the arousal level of the performer
> Noisy
What is the proximity effect?
The physical proximity of the audience can effect arousal level
> May feel reassured/pressured
What is the impact of crowd size on performance?
Larger audience increases chance of social inhibition
What are strategies that prevent social inhibition?
1) Building familiarity with performing in front of a crowd
2) Gradually introducing evaluation
3) Improving focus and concentration - selective attention
