What psychological concept is used to explain the phenomenon where individuals perform better in front of others?

The phenomenon where individuals perform better in front of others is known as social facilitation. This concept suggests that the presence of others can enhance an individual's performance on tasks, particularly those that are simple or well-practiced.

The underlying mechanism of social facilitation is thought to involve arousal. When people know they are being watched, their physiological arousal increases, which can enhance the performance of tasks where they are already competent. For example, an athlete may sprint faster when competing in front of a crowd compared to training alone.

In contrast, various other options describe different social dynamics. Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or attitudes. Groupthink pertains to the tendency for groups to conform to consensus without critical evaluation, often leading to poor decision-making. Social loafing describes the tendency for individuals to put in less effort when working in a group compared to when working alone. Each of these concepts applies to different aspects of social psychology, highlighting the unique role that social facilitation plays in enhancing individual performance in social contexts.