What phenomenon does social facilitation explain?

Social facilitation refers to the phenomenon where individuals perform better on simple or well-learned tasks when in the presence of others. This effect is attributed to increased arousal that comes from being observed, which enhances the performance of tasks that are straightforward or require little cognitive effort.

In situations where a task is complex or not well-practiced, the presence of others might lead to increased anxiety or distraction, potentially hindering performance. Hence, social facilitation is specifically tied to the distinction between simple and complex tasks and how having an audience influences the execution of these tasks. This concept highlights the interplay between individual performance, task familiarity, and the social environment, illustrating the nuanced ways in which social dynamics can impact behavior.