Social Impairment of Complex Learning in the Wake of Public Embarrassment

The presence of an observer impairs complex learning. According to a self-presentational analysis, this social impairment of task performance results from the performer's embarrassment at making mistakes in public. A study was designed to assess this interpretation. Results show that the presence of a peer impairs complex learning only if the peer can see the learner make mistakes; learners compensate for this social impairment by conveying positive nonverbal impressions. We discuss implications of these results for theories of social facilitation and impairment.