The audience effect is a type of social facilitation in which an individual’s performance is influenced by the presence of others (an audience). In sports, this can manifest in a number of ways, both positive and negative.
Positive effects
The presence of an audience can increases an athlete’s arousal level, which can lead to improved performance. This is known as the Yerkes-Dodson Law, which states that there is an optimal level of arousal for performance, and that too much or too little arousal can lead to decreased performance.
The presence of an audience can also motivates athletes to perform their best. This is especially true for athletes who are competitive or who enjoy the attention of the crowd.
Athletes who compete in front of a home crowd often perform better than those who compete in front of an away crowd. This is because the home crowd can provide support and motivation and can also create a hostile environment for the away team.
Negative effects
The presence of an audience can also led to anxiety in some athletes. This can manifest as physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. Anxiety can also lead to decreased concentration and performance.
The presence of an audience can also put pressure on athletes to perform well. This can lead to mistakes and decreased performance.
In some cases, the audience can be hostile towards the athletes. This can lead to verbal abuse, throwing objects, and even violence. Hostility from the crowd can have a negative impact on an athlete’s performance.
The effects of an audience on performance can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the audience, the intimacy of the setting, the experience of the athlete, and the type of sport. In general, however, the audience effect is a complex phenomenon that can have both positive and negative effects on athletic performance.