The Implications of a Resource-Investment Analysis of Goal Value for Performance in Audience and Solitary Settings

Three studies investigated the role of goal value on performance in socially evaluative (i.e., audience) and nonevaluative settings. Consistent with a resource investment model, goal value was found to affect subjects' willingness to endure adversity and allocate resources in pursuit of the goal. Goal value was also found to be a source of anxiety induction and was found to influence the availability of processing resources. We discuss the implications of a resource investment model for social facilitation and social loafing.