Social Psychology

Let's talk about social psychology in sports!

Compliance is a mild form of conformity or adapting to your environment to fit in. It is typically short term and influenced by social factors. For instance, when watching a game at a party may cause one to act compared to how they would watching the game on their own. They might be louder and react more intensively to match the energy of those around them. 

Obedience is a response and following of authority figures and their demands. Athletes in a game must follow and respect the rules and calls made by referees and coaches.

Social facilitation is when an individual's performance is enhanced when around other people. Home field advantage can be explained by many different possible factors. Some believe social facilitation might be taking place. With fans cheering, an athlete may be motivated to do better rather than at a practice alone.

Group polarization is when someone is heavily influenced by like-minded people around them. For example at a game, one's anger towards a referee's call is more likely to be facilitated and heightened when the people around the individual feel the same way. 

Reciprocity norm is when people act in kindness as a favor or in return of something. This can be seen when an athlete gives a ball to a fan. It acts as a gift that reciprocates the fans' support.