For difficult, unfamiliar tasks, the dominant response is to perform less well, so mistakes become more common when others are watching.

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This phenomenon is explained by social facilitation theory, which suggests that the presence of others can lead to increased arousal. This arousal enhances the likelihood of performing dominant responses; for difficult or unfamiliar tasks, these responses are often incorrect, leading to more mistakes.

For Difficult, Unfamiliar Tasks, the Dominant Response Is to Perform