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?