Sport Psychology - Social Facilitation

Question 1

Define social facilitation

Answer 1

The influence of the presence of others on performance (Positive)

Question 2

Define social inhibition

Answer 2

The negative effect of the presence of others on performance

Question 3

Name the 4 types of audience

Answer 3

1. The audience
2. Co-actors
3. Competitive co-actors
4. Social reinforcers

Question 4

What is an audience?

Answer 4

Those who are watching

Question 5

What is a co-actor?

Answer 5

Those performing the same task but not in competition

Question 6

What is a competitive co-actor?

Answer 6

Those in direct competition

Question 7

What is a social reinforcer?

Answer 7

Those who have a direct influence

Question 8

What is the overall effect on performance of being watched to a cognitive performer?

Answer 8

Performance will get worse

Question 9

What is the overall effect on performance of being watched to an autonomous performer?

Answer 9

Performance will get better

Question 10

Define evaluation apprehension

Answer 10

The negative influence of others if the performer feels they are being judged

Question 11

Which model is pictured?

Answer 11

The Zajonc Model

Question 12

What can cause evaluation apprehension to occur?

Answer 12

• The people watching are known to the player
• The player is feeling less confident about the outcome so expert audience is added pressure
• The audience is an expert / professional – the effects of evaluation apprehension are worse
• If the audience watches but makes no comment – Causes unease
• If the audience is openly critical – Adds to the pressure

Question 13

Name 3 ways a coach can prevent social inhibition

Answer 13

• Increase familiarity of playing with crowd
• Gradually introduce evaluation
• Improve selective attention
• Overlearn skills
• Reduce the importance of the event
• Teach the use of stress management techniques
• Encourage support from team mates