See-Jerk Reaction

Brandweek,  May 1, 2000  

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You've heard of micro management, but what about psycho management? The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology conducted an experiment on the effect that onlookers have on an individual's reasoning and motor skills. Subjects were asked to perform tricky math problems and flight simulations, first in the presence of a supportive friend, then while a neutral or hostile person observed.

While the taskmasters felt better with the support system, they didn't perform as well on tasks as when the more threatening presence loomed.

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