audience effect
the influence on behavior of the presence of bystanders. In humans, performance is often improved when the action is simple and well learned (see social facilitation) but may be inhibited when it is complicated, novel, or difficult to perform or when the person believes the behavior might incur the audience’s disapproval (see social inhibition). The audience effect has also been observed in fish, birds, nonhuman primates, and other animals. For example, studies of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) have shown that the presence of a male audience can increase aggression during interactions. See also coaction effect; evaluation apprehension.