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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.

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Psychology term of the day

May 5th 2024

one-word stage

one-word stage

the developmental period, between approximately 10 and 18 months, when children use one word at a time when speaking. Complex ideas are sometimes expressed with a single word, accompanied by gestures and emphasis. For example, depending on the context and how the word is spoken, milk may mean That is milk, I want more milk, or I spilled the milk. Also called holophrastic stage. See holophrase.