1. Perception and Understanding1 Lesson Objectives 1.Why perceptions differ among people? 2.Why do social roles affect perception? 3.What is the self-serving bias? 4.How do perceptions shape our views of others? 5.Should we try to read others ’ minds? 6.How can we sharpen our perceptions?

2. Perception and Understanding2 Perception Process We notice and make sense of experience and stimuli around us. Perception: an active process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting people, objects, events, situations … etc. –Active –Three interrelated processes: selection, organization, interpretation Examples in daily life …

3. Perception and Understanding3 Selection Noticing stimuli (selective attention) Factors influencing selection –What stands out –What matters –What changes –What we instruct ourselves to attend to (or trained to) –Other Motives: needs, interests … Bourne Identity 02:07

4. Perception and Understanding4 Organization Constructivism –Applying cognitive structures (schemata) to organize and interpret experience Four cognitive schemata –Prototypes: representative ideals (for a specific category) –Personal constructs: mental yardsticks (of judgment) –Stereotypes: predictive generalizations about people, things... –Scripts: guides for action (a sequence of activities)

5. Perception and Understanding5 Interpretation Creating meaning and explanations for observation Attributions –Locus: internal-external locus (internal or external factor) –Stability: stable factors or temporary occurrences –Controllability: responsibility (under or beyond control) Self-Serving Bias –Tendency of serving personal interests –Good results → Positive / Internal control –Bad results → Negative / external control

6. Perception and Understanding6 Influences on Perception Physiological factors –Sensory abilities, biorhythm, age Expectations –Prior hints, subliminal priming, positive visualization Cognitive abilities –Cognitive complexity (constructs), person-centeredness, empathy Social Roles Cultural Factors

7. Perception and Understanding7 Guidelines for Sharpening Skills Avoid mind reading: Assuming we understand … Check perception with others –State what you noticed –Check if others perceive the same things –Seek help with interpretation Distinguish facts from inferences Monitor self-serving bias