Choking under monitoring pressure: being watched by the experimenter reduces executive attention

Abstract

Performing more poorly given one’s skill level (“choking”) is likely in situations that offer an incentive if a certain outcome is achieved (outcome pressure) or when one is being watched by others—especially when one’s performance is being evaluated (monitoring pressure). According to the choking literature, outcome pressure is associated with reduced executive control of attention, whereas monitoring pressure is associated with increased, yet counterproductive, attention to skill processes. Here, we show the first evidence that monitoring pressure—being watched by the experimenter—may lead individuals with higher working memory to choke on a classic measure of executive control—just the task effect thought to result from outcome pressure. Not only does this finding help refine our understanding of the processes underlying choking under monitoring pressure, but it also leads to a new look at classic audience effects, with an important implication for experimental psychology.