Discuss at least three different studies that have tested the basic question: Does the presence of other people facilitate or inhibit performance.

1. Zajonc's Social Facilitation Theory: In 1965, Robert Zajonc conducted a study to test the impact of the presence of others on performance. He found that the presence of an audience or co-actors can enhance performance on simple or well-learned tasks, but can hinder performance on complex or novel tasks. This study laid the foundation for the social facilitation theory, which suggests that the presence of others can either facilitate or inhibit performance depending on the nature of the task.

2. Triplett's Cyclists Study: In 1898, Norman Triplett conducted a study on the impact of the presence of others on performance in a competitive setting. He observed that cyclists tended to perform better when racing against others compared to when racing alone against the clock. This study provided early evidence for the social facilitation effect, showing that the presence of others can enhance performance in competitive situations.

3. Michaels et al.'s Pool Players Study: In 1982, Michaels, Blommel, and Brocato conducted a study to investigate the impact of the presence of others on performance in a real-world setting. They observed pool players and found that skilled players performed better when others were watching, while unskilled players performed worse. This study demonstrated the complex nature of social facilitation, showing that the presence of others can have different effects on individuals depending on their skill level and the specific task.

These studies provide valuable insights into the impact of the presence of others on performance, highlighting the nuanced ways in which social facilitation can influence individual behavior.