This chapter discusses perceiving others and oneself, including how narratives shape perception, common perceptual tendencies and attribution errors, situational factors that influence perception such as social roles and culture, and the importance of empathy and checking perceptions. Key points are that culture provides a filter for interpretation, we tend to judge ourselves more favorably than others, and empathy involves understanding another's perspective rather than just sympathizing.

1. Chapter 2- Perception, The Self, and communicationJessica Tapman, Devin McClellan, & Brandy Sellers

2. Chapter TopicsPerceiving OthersPerceiving the SelfIdentity Management

3. Jessica TapmanPerceiving Others

4. Narratives & PerceptionNarratives are stories we create to make sense of our own personal world.

5. Common Perceptual TendenciesAttribution- The process of attaching meaning to behavior

6. Common Perceptual Tendencies Attribution ErrorsWe often judge ourselves more charitably than we judge othersSelf-serving bias- The tendency to interpret and explain information in a way that casts the perceiver in the most favorable manner.

7. Common Perceptual Tendencies Attribution ErrorsWe are influenced by what is the most obviousThere are three factors that cause us to notice some messages and ignore others. Messages that are:IntenseRepetitiousContrastive

8. Intense- Where are your eyes drawn?

9. RepetitiousWhich sound are you paying attention to?

10. ContrastiveIs this normal?

11. Common Perceptual Tendencies Attribution ErrorsWe cling to our first impressions, even if they are wrong

12. Common Perceptual Tendencies Attribution ErrorsWe tend to assume others are similar to us

13. Common Perceptual Tendencies Attribution ErrorsWe tend to favor negative impressions over positive ones

14. Situational Factors Influencing PerceptionAdditional factors we use to make sense of other’s behavior

15. Situational Factors Influencing PerceptionRelational SatisfactionDegree of involvement with the other personPast experienceExpectationSocial Roles

16. Social RolesWho would you be more afraid of?

17. Situational Factors Influencing PerceptionRelational SatisfactionDegree of involvement with the other personPast experienceExpectationSocial Roles Knowledge

18. Self-ConceptPerception and Culture Culture provides a perceptual filter than influences the way we interpret even the simplest events.

19. Perception and Culture“Victory” or “Peace”Australian for “Up yours!”

20. Perception and CultureThumbs UpIn America and European countries, this is considered a sign of something good.In Asian and Islamic countries, it is an insult.

21. Perception and Culture“Come here”In Asian countries this is considered rude. In Singapore it signals death.

22. Empathy and PerceptionEmpathy- The ability to re-create another person’s perspective, to experience the world from the other’s point of view.

23. Empathy and PerceptionDimensions of EmpathyPerspective TalkingEmotionalConcern

24. Empathy and PerceptionEmpathy vs. SympathySympathy- Compassion for a person’s situationEmpathy= UnderstandingSympathy= Caring

25. Empathy and PerceptionPerception CheckingDescription of the behaviorTwo possible interpretations of the behaviorRequest for clarification

26. Empathy and PerceptionPerception Checking“You haven’t called in the few days (description). I am not sure whether you’re upset with me (1st interpretation), or you’ve been busy (2nd interpretation). What’s going on (request for clarification)?”

27. Perception Checking-Group ActivityWrite a perception check for the situation you are assigned. Note the behavior, two interpretations, and a request for clarification.Example-“You haven’t called in the few days (description). I am not sure whether you’re upset with me (1st interpretation), or you’ve been busy (2nd interpretation). What’s going on (request for clarification)?”