Functions of Communication

 

1.  Change/create perception --> understanding

2.   Build relationships

3.   Influence others

Communication and Perception:  Explaining differences in the way we see, feel, hear, etc

 Steps

 

1.                  Select sensory cues  -- we only notice some of the sensory information we receive.  The “figure-ground” experience illustrates this (example – the vase OR two faces picture)

 

2.                  Organize selected cues --  We always place the sensory cues we notice into some sort of familiar pattern in order to “recognize” what we are sensing.  Schemata (pattern recognition) is the name for the patterns we use to organize our perceptions

 

3.                  Interpret --> We typically give a name to the recognized perceptual pattern in order to understand the meaning of what we are sensing (within a culture). 

Selective perception // Selective exposure:

1.        The self-fulfilling prophecy - Believing something is true makes it come true when it otherwise would not.   (e.g.,  Believing "I'm bad at tests." (a part of self concept) causes a low score.)

2.   1st impressions are important

 

Organization:    (schemata)

1. Prototypes: The most representative case.

2. Personal Constructs:  Mental yardsticks by which be evaluate others, usually in polar categories (e.g. smart-dumb, attractive-unattractive, etc.)

3. Stereotypes - category generalizations - often over-generalized

4. Scripts - guides and routines of interaction, often repeated

 

Interpretation:

1. Attributions - explanations of why people do what they do.

   1. Locus of Control -- internal or external factors

   2. Stability -- permanent or temporary characteristics

   3. Scope -- global characteristics or specific instances

   4. Responsibility -- self control or lack thereof

2. Self serving bias -- we attribute positives to ourselves and sometimes negatives to others, esp. unknown or disliked others.

 Factors that Influence Perception Differentially

1. Physiology

2. Culture  (and standpoint within the culture)

3. Social roles

4. Cognitive ability

 Answers to the Businessman story

 

Discussion Questions for Friday 9/7

1. Think of an example of how a self-fulfilling prophecy has affected you and share it with the class

2. Think of a time when you became nervous in facing a new situation.  What perceptions/ expectations led to the nervousness?

3. Identify three to five personal constructs you or people you know use.  How useful or troublesome are they? 

4. Identify a script you use fairly often.  Does it work well for you?

5. Go to the link below and read the essay.  How does the advice in the essay and in the additional links connect with the material in Wood's Chapter 2 on perception (summarized above)?  Be specific.  (Note: there are a number of connections in my view.)

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