Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


audience effect

the influence on behavior of the presence of bystanders. In humans, performance is often improved when the action is simple and well learned (see social facilitation) but may be inhibited when it is complicated, novel, or difficult to perform or when the person believes the behavior might incur the audience’s disapproval (see social inhibition). The audience effect has also been observed in fish, birds, nonhuman primates, and other animals. For example, studies of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) have shown that the presence of a male audience can increase aggression during interactions. See also coaction effect; evaluation apprehension.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 17th 2025

binocular suppression

binocular suppression

the ability of stimulation through one eye to inhibit the response or sensitivity to stimulation through the other eye. See binocular rivalry.