Perception is a process by which individuals

organize and interpret their sensory impressions

in order to give meaning to their

environment

Nature of Perception We form impressions and make

judgements & decisions about people on very little, usually subjective, information.

Underlying this is a need for meaning-we try to categorize experiences so as to achieve stability.

In achieving meaning we introduce bias or distortion through imposing inappropriate structure or incorrect criteria.

*Contd… Such process, which underlie subsequent

judgements and decisions often occur unconsciously.

Once judgement and decisions are made, we become reluctant to change our views.

Generally, we overestimate the influence of personality factors, and underestimate the influence of situational factors as causes of others’ behavior. The reverse is generally true for ourselves.

Define…

“The dynamic psychological process responsible for attending to, organizing and interpreting sensory

data.”

Perception…

Involves going beyond the information given

Seems instantaneous

Is subjective

Directs action, it helps us function by giving us context

Necessity…

It is unlikely that any person’s definition of reality will be exactly identical to an objective assessment of reality.

It is unlikely that two people’s definition of reality will be exactly the same

Individual perception directly influences the behavior exhibited in a given situation

“The bottom line is that people who must work together often see things differently, and this difference can create problems in their ability to work together effectively”

Model of the Perception Process

Phenomenon 1

Phenomenon 2

Phenomenon 3

The five senses and the mind

Observation & selection of focus

Past experiences:

Knowledge

Feelings

Analytical process

Present experience:

Knowledge change

Current feelings

New analytical process

Assignment of meaning (person's reality)

Behavior of person

Frame of reference filter

External phenomena (objective reality)

The Senses & External Phenomena

• Potential for variation from “Objective Reality”

• Selective Mechanism is part of the perceptual process

(See, Hear, Smell, Taste, Feel and Mind)

Observation and Selection of Focus

• Characteristics of the Perceived:– Size,– Intensity,– Contrast,– Novelty, and– Motion,– Repetition,– Ordering

• Characteristics of the Situation:– Social Context,– Organizational Role, and– Location of the perceptual incident

Characteristics of the Perceiver:– Learning,– Motivation, and– Personality

The frame of reference filter• Past experiences:

Past experiences illustrate the developmental aspects of the perceptual process; the past makes a difference in how you interpret the present and think about the future.

• Present experiencing: Brings in new knowledge, new analytical processes, and current feelings. The different reactions to similar situations are heavily influenced by the man’s current feelings.

The Assignment of Meaning & Behavior

• The final step is the assignment of meaning to the external phenomena that have been selected and then processed through the frame of reference filter.

• It is an interaction of characteristics of the perceived person or object, of the situation, and of the perceiver within a dynamic selection mechanism.

• It is an interaction involving past experiences and present experiencing in the actual assignment of meaning

Errors in Perception

• Stereotyping• Halo Effects• Selective Perception• Perceptual Defense• Projection• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Overcoming Perceptual Errors

• Being aware of the tendency to make perceptual errors.

• Communicate with others to compare perceptions and to gain additional information.

• Focus on understanding other people’s points of view.

• Be willing to change your perceptions.• View the world in Dynamic terms

It’s

Time to fly…

M.L.PANDIA