Perception

Perception is the process by

which we assign meaning to
a stimulus.
Much of your self-talk is
based on your perceptions.
Personal
Since each person is unique, his or her perceptions are
highly personal and individualized.



Three Steps of Perception
1. Sensory
An individuals ability to detect
stimuli in the immediate
environment.
(Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching)

2. Selective
The process a person uses to
eliminate some of the stimuli that
have been sensed and to retain
others for further processing.
3. Personal
Organizing, sorting and assigning
meaning to data.
Figure-ground principle
We select, organize, and evaluate the
multitude of stimuli, so that what we
focus on becomes figure and the rest
of what we experience become
ground
Two Faces or a Vase?
Rubin ambiguous face-vase figure.
Personal Perception:
(Interpretation)

Making Judgments
About Others
Factors that Influence Personal
Perception
Values
Beliefs
Culture
Bias
Past Experiences
Attitudes
Expectations
Knowledge
Communication skills

Are you an optimistic or...?
Do you realize only what you see?

Culture
A persons cultural background can influence
his or her interpretation of the world.
Every culture has its own worldview, language,
customs, rituals, artifacts, traditions, and
habits.
Look at Japanese communication
style for example.


Culture
Japanese keep a greater physical distance between
themselves than do Westerners.
Speaking loudly is considered rude and threatening.
Pointing is also considered rude.
Coats are kept on and ties are kept straight at
meetings. Dress is conservative and often
sophisticated and expensive.
Direct eye contact is considered as rude and
confrontational.

Stereotypes
A fixed impression about a group, may
influence your perceptions of individual
members
Perception Checking
Everyone sees him or herself, others, events, and the
world from a different viewpoint.

How do you know you really saw what you think you saw
or heard what you think you heard?


The secret to checking perceptions is
never to assume that the truth is the
actual, absolute truth.
How to perceive effectively
Perceive critically: For example, recognize
your role in perception, avoid early
conclusions, and KINDLY avoid mind reading.

Check your perceptions; describe what you
see or hear and ask for confirmation.

Be culturally sensitive; recognize the
differences between you and.

Take Responsibity for Your Own Communication
Verify the receivers perceptions.

Ask questions