What phenomenon explains stronger performance on well-learned tasks in the presence of others?

The correct answer is social facilitation, which refers to the tendency for individuals to perform better on well-learned or simple tasks when they are in the presence of others. This phenomenon occurs because the presence of an audience can increase arousal and focus, leading to improved performance. For tasks that are familiar and well-practiced, the added motivation and awareness of being observed can enhance execution.

In contrast, social loafing describes a situation where individuals exert less effort when working collectively on a task compared to when they are working alone. Social inhibition is the decrease in performance on tasks that are complex or not well-learned due to the presence of others, which can lead to anxiety and distractions. Lastly, group polarization refers to the tendency for group discussion to enhance the initial leanings of the group, leading to more extreme positions, rather than affecting individual performance directly.

Understanding social facilitation is crucial in various domains such as education, sports, and team dynamics, where the presence of others can influence performance outcomes significantly.