2.1 Introduction to the Role of Perception
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to
- Understand self-concept, self-esteem, and identity management as they influence communication in different settings
- Describe the perception process and its impact on communication
- Describe how perception can influence conflict and how perception checking can decrease conflict
- Describe the difference between empathy and sympathy, and their role in communication
- Explain the “pillow method” to understand another person’s perspective
- Explain “cultural considerations” as they relate to perception
- Understand how aspects of personality affect perception and communication
Chapter Overview
As we go through our daily lives, we perceive all sorts of people and objects, and we often make sense of these perceptions by using previous experiences to help filter and organize the information we take in. Sometimes we encounter new or contradictory information that changes the way we think about a person, group, or object. The perceptions that we make of others and that others make of us affect how we communicate and act. In this chapter, we will learn about the perception process, how we perceive others, and how we perceive and present ourselves. We will then discuss ways that we can improve our perceptions. The chapter activities will help to bring theory to practice.
Attribution
Unless otherwise indicated, material on this page has been reproduced or adapted from the following resource:
University of Minnesota. (2016). Communication in the real world: An introduction to communication studies. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, except where otherwise noted.
