social facilitation

the improvement in an individual’s performance of a task that often occurs when others are present. This effect tends to occur with tasks that are uncomplicated or have been previously mastered through practice. There is some disagreement as to whether the improvement is due to a heightened state of arousal, a greater self-awareness, or a reduced attention to unimportant and distracting peripheral stimuli. By contrast, social interference is likely to be seen when the task is complicated, particularly if it is not well learned. See also audience effect.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

anthropometry

1. the scientific study of how the size and proportions of the human body are affected by such variables as age, sex, and ethnicity.

2. the taking of measurements of the human body for purposes of comparison and study. —anthropometric adj. —anthropometrist n.