Interplay, 12th Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2012 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Perception
Perceiving Others
Interplay
THE PERCEPTION PROCESS
Interplay, 12th Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2012 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
The Perception Process
Reality is constructed
First-order realities
Physically observable
qualities of a thing or
situation.
Second-order realities
Involve our attaching
meaning to first-order
things or situations.
Second-order realities
don’t reside in objects
or events but rather in
our minds.
Interplay, 12th Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2012 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
The Perception Process
Example:
First-Order Reality: Your friend calls you a
“bonehead.”
Your Second-Order Reality: Your friend is being
critical.
Friend’s Second-Order Reality: The remark was an
affectionate joke.
First-Order Reality: A job interviewer asks whether
you are married.
Your Second-Order Reality: The question has
nothing to do with the job and is inappropriate.
Friend’s Second-Order Reality: The interviewer is
trying to make conversation.
Interplay, 12th Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2012 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Steps in the Perception
Process
Selection
We “select” which
data we will attend to.
How does the
following stimuli
influence our
selections?
Intensity
Repetition
Contrast
Motives
Emotional state
Interplay, 12th Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2012 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Selection – process of focusing on
certain stimuli and ignoring others
Selective Exposure – tendency to
expose ourselves to information that
reinforces rather than contradicts our
beliefs/opinions. Ex:
Democrats/Republicans
Selective Attention – even when you
do expose yourself to all information you
focus on certain cues and...