Triplett's Research Article Summary

The research by Thielemier (2014) used the findings of Triplett’s study by referring it as the first recorded research on social facilitation in relation to athletic performance. Although the Triplett (1898) study was briefly mentioned, the study played a role in Thielemier’s experiment because it was found that when in the presence of other people, such as other cyclists, the ability to perform improved, equating to better finished recorded time. In relation to the Thielemier (2014) study, it was hypothesized that Triplett’s findings could be generalized in other athletic activities. In Thielemier’s (2014) study, it was theorized that athletic ability could be enhanced, such as a runner’s ability to perform, if an audience was present during

(2003) study was conducted in order find the effects of an audience and competition on weight lifting performance. Rhea, et al. (2003) hypothesized that social facilitation could affect athletic performance when in the presence of an audience and when competition is encouraged. Rhea, et al. (2003) barely elaborated on Triplett’s (1898) study but used the study and its findings, such as social facilitation and its effect on performance, as a basis for research. These effects could be seen depending “…on the situation that an individual encounters” (Rhea, et al. 2003). By manipulating the different categories, it was hypothesized that these effects could be elicited by the participant. The three categories used for the study were: coaction, competitive coaction, and audience effects. Coaction was defined as “…a situation where individuals work alongside one another while independently performing the same type of activity without rivalrous incentives” (Rhea, et al. 2003). Competitive coaction was defined as “… similar to coaction in that individuals perform independently of one another, but it differs in that there is explicit rivalry between competitors” (Rhea, et al. 2003). Lastly, audience effects was defined as “…the effect on performance that is expressed in the presence of passive spectator(s)” (Rhea, et al. 2003). The audience was used as a passive spectator and was not allowed to interact with the participant at all. Each category has been found to increase performance, however, competitive coaction has been found to produce the most improvement in performance based tasks on numerous studies. Rhea, et al. (2003) mentioned several theories to support his hypothesis that competition and an audience would affect performance. The social facilitation theory states that “…competition and the presence of others will increase drive (arousal) and therefore linearly affect performance” (Rhea, et al. 2003). Another theory is self-awareness theory where