In what scenario is social facilitation most likely to occur?

Social facilitation refers to the phenomenon where individuals perform better on simple or well-learned tasks when in the presence of others compared to when they are alone. This enhancement in performance is often influenced by the audience's presence creating heightened arousal or motivation.

In the scenario of participating in a team sport event, individuals are likely to experience social facilitation due to the presence of teammates and spectators. The competitive atmosphere and the desire to perform well for others can lead to improved performance, particularly for tasks that athletes are already familiar with. This aligns with the principle of social facilitation where the presence of others stimulates better execution of skills, especially in an environment where teamwork and social interaction are key elements.

In contrast, scenarios such as working on a challenging project alone, reading a book quietly at home, or practicing skills in isolation offer minimal or no social interaction. These contexts do not leverage the motivating effects of being observed or competing against others, thereby reducing the likelihood of social facilitation occurring.