Social Facilitation

Question 1

Definition of social facilitation

Answer 1

The positive effect of the presence of others on performance

Question 2

What is the difference between inhibition and facilitation?

Answer 2

Inhibition is negative affects due to the presence of others.

Facilitation is positive affects due to the presence of others.

Question 3

What are the four types of others present in sport?

Answer 3

According to Zajonc:

1. An audience - just watches
2. Competitors - in conflict with performer
3. Social reinforcers - encourage or criticise performance
4. Co actors - do the sport alongside you

Question 4

What does an audience and co actors increase?

Answer 4

Arousal levels due to their presence, but they’re passive as they’re not involved in the event

Question 5

What would the dominant response of an expert be to an audience?

Answer 5

• well learned/accurate dominant response, under pressure this response becomes automatic, simple and correct.
• leads to positive performance as facilitation occurs.

Question 6

What would the dominant response of a novice be to an audience?

Answer 6

• poorly learned/inaccurate response, under pressure this response becomes automatic, complex and incorrect.
• leads to pressurised performance as inhibition occurs.

Question 7

Define evaluation apprehension

Answer 7

The fear of being judged

Question 8

How can evaluation apprehension become worse?

Answer 8

• if audience is known
• if audience is critical
• if audience contains scouts
• lack of confidence

Question 9

How can you prevent social inhibition?

Answer 9

• getting the players familiar with playing in front of a crowd
• gradually introducing evaluation
• improving concentration and focus
• lower arousal levels
• decrease the importance of an event
• peer support groups