Annabel Is Working on a Very Difficult Paper for Her

question 116

Multiple Choice

Annabel is working on a very difficult paper for her psychology class.Given what you know about the effect of the mere presence of others on performance,where should Annabel work on the paper to make the best progress?

• A) in the library, at a table with other people studying
• B) alone in her room or in a private library carrel
• C) in her room with her two roommates
• D) in the library, with other people working on the same paper

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Definitions:

Social Loafing

The phenomenon where individuals exert less effort to achieve a goal when they work in a group than when they work alone.

Groupthink

A phenomenon in group decision-making where the desire for harmony or conformity results in an irrational or dysfunctional outcome.

Group Polarization

The tendency of group members to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclinations of its members.

Social Facilitation

The tendency for people to perform differently when in the presence of others than when alone, typically improving on simple tasks.