PS51005B: Psychology of the Person – Week 16 Lecture Notes: Group Processes I – Social Facilitation & Social Loafing (Goldsmiths BSc Psychology)

These notes summarise Week 16 of PS51005B: Psychology of the Person, introducing the foundations of group behaviour with a focus on social facilitation and social loafing. The lecture explains key theories, factors influencing performance in groups, and strategies for increasing individual effort. Topics covered: • What defines a group (e.g. entitativity, interdependence) • Social facilitation vs. social inhibition • Zajonc’s Drive Theory • Cottrell’s Evaluation Apprehension Theory • Distraction–Conflict Theory • Self-Awareness Theory (Carver & Scheier) • Attentional focus and task complexity (Baron) • Social loafing and the Ringelmann effect • Causes of loafing: output equity, anonymity, unclear goals • Solutions: identifiability, task importance, standards, compensation • Free-rider effect vs. loafing • Multiple choice questions included Ideal for: • Students revising group dynamics in social psychology • Coursework involving collaboration or audience effects • Anyone interested in how group settings shape behaviour and effort