Final answer:
Rick's experience of running farther and faster in a group is an example of social facilitation, which enhances performance in the presence of others, especially during well-practiced tasks like running marathons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rick's observation that he runs farther and faster when he runs in a group than when he runs alone is an example of the social phenomenon known as social facilitation. This concept refers to the tendency for people to perform differently when in the presence of others than when alone. In cases of simple or well-rehearsed tasks, the presence of others tends to improve performance, as with marathon runners who might experience increased motivation and energy from a group dynamic.
When running marathons, being part of a group can provide runners with a competitive edge, a pacing strategy, and the psychological support needed to push through difficult parts of the race. This contrasts with the concept of social loafing, which occurs when individuals in a group exert less effort because their individual performance cannot be easily evaluated separately from the group, often leading to a decline in performance on easy tasks. However, marathons are challenging and thus, social facilitation is more likely to occur.