Social facilitation

Question 1

Factors Determining the effects of arousal

Answer 1

High arousal is beneficial to the expert stage (autonomous) because the performer’s dominant behaviour tends towards the correct response
At the novice stage (associative) the dominant behaviour is likely to be incorrect. High arousal would cause mistakes and inhibit performance
High arousal facilitates the performance of simple and ballistic skills that are classified as gross
High arousal would benefit an extrovert but inhibit the performance of an introvert.

Question 2

Evaluation Apprehension Theory

Answer 2

This proposes that the mere presence of others was not sufficiently arousing to produce the social facilitation effect
Increases in arousal were only evident when the performer perceived that the audience was assessing or judging their performance
It could be the case that the perceived evaluation of the audience inhibits performance
Some athletes may rely on evaluation to stimulate arousal
It is more likely if the people observing are of a high status/role models
It is also more likely if the person performing a high trait anxiety and low self-esteem

Question 3

Social Facilitation/Inhibition

Answer 3

Most sports or physical activities take place in the presence of other in the form of spectators or co-actors
The presence of an audience increases arousal levels.
Increases in arousal can have either a positive or negative influence on performance. Many factors determine the effects of arousal on performance
Social facilitation occurs when arousal enhances performance
Social inhibition occurs when arousal inhibits performance

Question 4

Drive Theory of Social Facilitation

Answer 4

Drive theory indicates a relationship between performance and arousal
Drive theory states that the presence of others is in itself arousing - this arousal enhances the production of a dominant response.
Actions that have been learned are termed ‘learned behaviours’ and tend to be our dominant responses
Drive theory is supported by the belief that arousal cause by an audience is a natural (innate) reaction

Question 5

Facilitation/Inhibition Theories

Answer 5

The home advantage effect:
Large and supportive home crowds are believed to provide home teams with an advantage

Proximity effect:
The location of the audience in relation to performance was an important factor in social facilitation. The closer the audience, the greater the effect on arousal.

Distraction - conflict theory
The limitations of the performer’s attentional capacity can explain the effects of an audience . The audience may become a distraction for the performing trying to concentrate on important performance cues. Overloading the attentional space of the performer

Question 6

Strategies to Combat the Effects of Social Inhibition

Answer 6

Strategies to Combat the Effects

1 Selective attention would narrow the focus of the performer onto the relevant cues
2 Mental rehearsal and imagery could enhance concentration and help block out the audience
3 The athlete would be advised to engage in positive self-talk to block out negative thoughts
4 Practice in the presence of an audience would help the athlete to become accustomed to the effects it may have on arousal
5 Ensure that skills are overlearned to become dominant behaviours. When arousal emerges these dominant responses will then occur
6 Confidence building strategies should be implemented to reduce inhibition
7 Positive reinforcement and social support from the coach and team mates will reduce anxiety

Question 7

Effects of an Audience

Answer 7

Causes an increase in arousal
Can lead to self doubt or a lack of confidence
Can cause the performer to give up or ‘choke’ during a performance
Can lead to poor attentional control or the performer may find it difficult to concentrate on the task they are completing
Can motivate a performer to try harder or become more determined to win