Perception Theory Of Perception

on available knowledge and former experience. The former, referred as the mirror-image concept, assumes perception to be a non-problematic source of knowledge free from the mind’s influence. While, the latter, analyses perception as action indicating that perception depends on past experience and knowledge of the observer. The theory of ladenness also seconds the latter analysis. According to this theory, if perception is dependent on past experience, knowledge then it is not just a simple presentation of reality but it presumes activity of the perceptual observer.

Initially the very notion of perception was believed to be just a simple fixation of sensuous data: visual images, sensations. However now perception is considered as a process in

It is thus a Cognitive process of putting the pieces of inputs together to form meaningful information.

Some factors that contribute towards interpretation are as follows:

a) Attribution: This theory explains the ways of judging/interpreting people differently on the basis of observed internal or external causes behind an individual’s behavior. This observation is based on three factors:

• Distinctiveness

• Consensus

• Consistency

Internally caused behaviors are those we believe to be under the personal control of the individual while external caused behaviors is what we imagine the situation forced the individual to do.

b) Stereotyping: Stereotyping is the tendency to judge someone or assign attributes to someone of our perception of the group or category of people the person belongs.

This leads to negative consequences and irregularities. The generalized thought about a group may not contain a shred of truth when applied to a particular person.

c) Halo effect: When we draw a general impression of an individual on the basis of a single characteristic, a halo effect is

Physical appearance pals a big role in our perception of others. Extremely attractive or unattractive individuals are more likely to be noticed in a group than ordinary looking individuals. Motions, sound, size and other attributes of a target shape the way we see it.

Verbal Communication from targets also affects our perception of them. Nonverbal communication conveys a great deal of information about the target. The perceiver deciphers eye contact, facial expressions, body movements, and posture all in an attempt to form an impression of the target.

3) Characteristics of the Situation: The situation in which the interaction between the perceiver and the target takes place, has an influence on the perceiver's impression of the target. The strength of the situational cues also affects social perception. Some situations provide strong cues as to appropriate behaviour. In this situation, we assume that i.e. individual's behaviours can be accounted for by the situation, and that it may not reflect the individual's disposition.

The Influence of Emotion on