Question

Which of the following is predicted by Zajonc's resolution to conflicting data from Norman Triplett's social facilitation studies?

1) A decrease in the presence of others during a difficult task would hinder performance.
2) A decrease in the presence of others during a simple task would not hinder performance.
3) An increase in the presence of others during a simple task hinders performance.
4) An increase in the presence of others during a difficult task hinders performance.

Answer 1

Zajonc's theory of social facilitation predicts that an increase in the presence of others hinders performance on difficult tasks due to increased arousal causing disruption in concentration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Zajonc's resolution to conflicting data from Norman Triplett's social facilitation studies predicts:

4) An increase in the presence of others during a difficult task hinders performance.

Zajonc proposed the concept of social facilitation and social inhibition, suggesting that the presence of others can either enhance or impair performance depending on the complexity of the task. According to Zajonc's theory, the presence of others tends to facilitate (improve) performance on simple or well-learned tasks due to increased arousal or drive (social facilitation). However, in the case of complex or difficult tasks, the presence of others can lead to performance impairment (social inhibition) as it enhances anxiety or interference, affecting concentration and performance negatively. Therefore, Zajonc's theory suggests that the presence of others can hinder performance on difficult tasks.