Chapter 4:Communicating, Perceiving,

and Understanding

The Importance of Perception

“No one should assume that

what he or she perceives is the same as what

others perceive” (p. 81)

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc.

The Influential Nature of Perception

How We Understand and Organize the World How We Respond to the World How We Develop and Form Identities How We Choose and Develop Relationships

The Perception Process A process by which we take information in

and seek to understand it. Three separate but interrelated processes:

• Selection• Organization• Interpretation

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc.

Selection (p. 83)

• Intensity• Size• Contrast• Repetition• Movement

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc.

How does this map look to you?

Changing Perceptions of Beauty?

Reinterpreting our experiences

Final Thought: Work Toward Improving Perception Skills

Ask yourself:• What might I have failed to notice?• Have I engaged in faulty thinking?• Has my physical condition impacted my perceptions?• Has my cultural background influenced my perceptions?• Has my social role influenced my perceptions?