Chapter 2 Objectives Explain why differences in perception occur Describe the process of perception Identify perceptual errors Understand how your view of yourself is related to communication

Chapter 2 Objectives Differentiate self-fulfilling prophecies, self-image, and self-esteem Explain how you can improve your self-concept Define identity management and explain its component parts

The process of becoming aware of objects and events from the senses What is Perception ? The process of becoming aware of objects and events from the senses

What is Perception? Active perception Subjective perception Our minds select, organize, and interpret what we sense Subjective perception Our minds construct unique meanings to sensed stimuli

Differences in Perception Physiological factors Past experiences and roles Culture and co-culture Present feelings and circumstances

What Occurs in Perception? Three distinct activities Selection Organization Interpretation Occur quickly and almost simultaneously

Selection Neglect some stimuli and focus on others Selective exposure Selective attention Selection perception Selective retention Link to Perception Activities on the Web

Organization Group stimuli into meaningful units or wholes Figure & ground

Organization Group stimuli into meaningful units or wholes Figure & ground Closure

Organization Group stimuli into meaningful units or wholes Figure & ground Closure Proximity

Organization Group stimuli into meaningful units or wholes Figure & ground Closure Proximity Similarity

Interpretation Assign meaning to the stimuli Blend of internal states and external stimuli

3 2 I-I 2 3 G I-I I Interpretation Assign meaning to the stimuli Blend of internal states and external stimuli Often rely on context for cues 3 2 I-I 2 3 G I-I I

How Do We Perceive Others? Attribution Assigning meaning to the behavior of others Can lead to perceptual errors Attribution errors Perceptual errors

Attribution Errors Fundamental attribution error Self-serving bias Attribute successes of others to the situation and failures of others to the individual Self-serving bias Our successes are due to our personal qualities and our failures are due to circumstances

Perceptual Errors Stereotyping First Impressions Oversimplified or standardized image of a person based on his or her group membership First Impressions Initial opinion about another person

Avoiding Errors Recognize the subjective nature of perception Use perceptual checking Describe what you observed Suggest alternative interpretations Ask for the “correct” interpretation

Who Are You? What do you know about yourself? Self-perception Personal identity Who you are develops through Intrapersonal communication Symbolic interactionism Self-fulfilling prophecy

Learning More About Yourself Understand your physical self Understand how others perceive you Understand your communication skills and behaviors

What’s Your Future Potential? Self-actualization The fulfillment of one’s potential as a person

How Do You Evaluate Yourself? Self-Appraisal/Self-Concept has two parts Self-Image Self-Esteem

Self-Image The picture you have of yourself Based on feedback from others Confirmation Rejection Disconfirmation

Self-Esteem How you feel about yourself Based on your perceptions of your successes and failures Affects perception and communication

Improving Self-Concept Have a goal or objective Make your goal realistic Find information about how to achieve your goal Exercise control and restraint Gain support of friends and family Accept yourself

How Do We Present Ourselves? Self-presentation The way we portray ourselves to others

How Do We Present Ourselves? Identity Management Control (or lack of control) of the communication of information through a performance High and low self-monitors Face, facework, politeness