Jonathan P. Maxwell, Richard S.w. Masters and Jamie M. Poolton
Institute of Human Performance, University of Hong Kong
Citation
P. Maxwell, J., S.w. Masters, R., M. Poolton, J. (2008). Self-Consciousness, perceived evaluation, and performance of a continuous motor task. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 39(3), 179-191.
Abstract
According to some authors, highly self-conscious individuals are susceptible to performance breakdown in the presence of an evaluative audience (e.g., Maxwell, Masters, & Poolton, 2006), whereas other authors report less susceptibility (e.g., Baumeister, 1984). Previous studies have provided these contrasting results using discrete tasks. The aim of the current study was to ascertain whether self-consciousness is associated with changes to continuous task performance (simulated driving) in the presence and absence of an evaluative passenger, and to elucidate the direction of this relationship. Participants, classified as either high or low self-conscious (n = 14 in each group), performed seven 5-minute trials on a driving simulator. The first six trials (Practice Phase) were performed alone, whereas, the final trial (Observation Phase) was performed whilst observed. During the Practice Phase high self-conscious drivers were recorded engaging in riskier driving behaviours, relative to low self-conscious drivers. During the Observation Phase, high self-conscious drivers still displayed riskier driving behaviours than did low selfconscious drivers despite both groupsâ
Keywords: Anxiety, Driving simulation, Performance modulation, Self-consciousness