1. Chapter 2:

2. Perception
The process by which we make sense out of experiences

3. The perception process is impacted by many variables such as:
Race
Gender
Culture
Age
Past Experiences

4. These variables can result in perceptual errors.
Let’s take a look…

5. Perceptual Sets
Past experiences make us more likely to perceive something in a particular way.

6. We also encounter errors during the perceptual process.

7. The Perception Process: Three Parts
Select of Stimuli
Organize the Stimuli
Analyze and Define the Stimuli 1 2 3

8. Step #1: Selection Obvious stimuli has a greater impact Intense
Repetitious
Contrastive
Motives (stimuli which is most important to you)

9. Step #2: Organization
Differences in the perceptual process also occur due to the way each person organizes stimuli.

10. Figure Ground Principle
The part we focus on is called the figure.
The remaining stimuli make up the ground.

11. Step #3: Analyzing and Defining
Narratives
We all create life stories based on past experiences
Defining events
We use these stories to form a framework for how we define or attach meaning to each new specific event.
Interaction
We gain reinforcement from others to solidify or uphold these meanings.

12. Other Problematic Perceptual Tendencies
Self-serving bias= judge others more harshly than ourselves
First Impressions
Negative Bias
Stereotyping
Relational Satisfaction
Halo vs Horn Effect

13. Perception Checking
A three step process which enables us to take on the viewpoint of another person.
Describe the behavior of the other person
Develop at least two possible interpretations (Cognitive Complexity)
Request clarification from the other person on how to interpret the behavior.

14. Example When you turned down my request for a date (behavior),
I wasn’t sure if you did not want to go out (interpretation) or if you were just busy (2nd interpretation),
how do you feel about going out? (clarification>

15. Remember the Titans (PG)
Bonus Features:
Remember the Titans (PG)
Mean Girls (PG-13)
Crash (R)
Let’s Go to the Movies