LC1: Read " What Factors Shape Perceptions?" on page 151 and then complete Thinking activity 4.2 on page 152. This is an opportunity for you to think about the unique "perception" of your perceiving lenses. Reflect on the elements in yourself and your personal history that you believe exert the strongest influence on the way you view the world. Create a visual representation of the prescription of your perceiving leses, highlighting the unique factors that have contributed to your distinctive perspectives on the world. WHAT FACTORS SHAPE PERCEPTIONS? Your perceptions of the world are dramatically influenced by your past experiences: the way you were brought up, the relationships you have had, and your training and education. Every dimension of “who” you are is reflected in your perceiving lenses. It takes critical reflection to become aware of these powerful influences on our perceptions of the world and the beliefs we construct based on them. Your special interests and areas of expertise also affect how you see the world. Consider the case of two people who are watching a football game. One person, who has very little understanding of football, sees merely a bunch of grown men hitting each other for no apparent reason. The other person, who loves football, sees complex play patterns, daring coaching strategies, effective blocking and tackling techniques, and zone defenses with “seams” that the receivers are trying to “split.” Both have their eyes focused on the same event, but they are perceiving two entirely different situations. Their perceptions differ because each person is actively selecting, organizing, and interpreting the available stimuli in different ways. The same is true of any situation in which you are perceiving something about which you have special knowledge or expertise. The following are examples: • A builder examining the construction of a new house • A music lover attending a concert • A naturalist experiencing the outdoors • A cook tasting a dish just prepared • A lawyer examining a contract • An art lover visiting a museum Think about a special area of interest or expertise that you have and how your perceptions of that area differ from those of people who don't share your knowledge. Ask other class members about their areas of expertise. Notice how their perceptions of that area differ from your own because of their greater knowledge and experience. In all these cases, the perceptions of the knowledgeable person differ substantially from the perceptions of the person who lacks knowledge of that area. Of course, you do not have to be an expert to have more fully developed perceptions. It is a matter of degree. Thinking Activity 4.2 THINKING CRITICALLY ABOUT MY PERCEIVING LENSES This is an opportunity for you to think about the unique “prescription” of your perceiving lenses. Reflect on the elements in yourself and your personal history that you believe exert the strongest influence on the way that you vie.