Final answer:
Social anxiety encompasses the fear of embarrassment known as audience inhibition, including stage fright and public speaking anxiety, which can lead to physiological symptoms via the sympathetic nervous system’s response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The uncertainty and fear of embarrassment that drives the audience inhibition effect is known as social anxiety, which can manifest in various forms like stage fright, performance anxiety, and specifically public speaking anxiety. This type of anxiety triggers a response from the sympathetic nervous system, similar to other emotional states, causing physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and sweating. In the context of acting, such feelings can be a signal to trust in the emotional truth being conveyed to the audience.
To better understand this concept, consider a hypothesis test conducted by a student who believes that less than the reported 40% of Americans fear public speaking. After surveying 361 schoolmates and finding that 135 report a fear of public speaking, a hypothesis test could determine if the percentage at her school is indeed less than 40%.