Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

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What does "social facilitation" refer to in psychology?

The improvement of performance when working alone.

The tendency to perform worse in front of a crowd.

The tendency for individuals to perform differently when in the presence of others.

Social facilitation refers to the tendency for individuals to perform differently when in the presence of others, specifically noting that performance on well-learned tasks tends to improve when one is in a group setting. This phenomenon arises from the enhanced arousal and motivation that social contexts can provide, often leading to better performance on simple or familiar tasks due to increased focus and energy. Conversely, for complex or unfamiliar tasks, the presence of others may lead to anxiety or distraction, which can hinder performance.

This concept is significant in understanding dynamics within social psychology, illustrating how social environments can influence individual behavior and performance outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of context in shaping behavior, a key principle in psychological research.

Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

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