CHAPTER TWO PERCEIVING THE SELF AND OTHERS Chapter Outcomes our communication with others Describe how our personal perspective on the world influences Explain how we use and misuse schemas when communicating Define the attributions we use to explain behavior Describe cultural differences that influence perception Identify how our self concept who we think we are influences communication Describe how our cognitions about ourselves and our behavior affect our communication with others Perception A cognitive process through which we interpret our experiences and come to our own unique understandings Communication Processing Gathering organizing and evaluating the information we receive Also involves our basic senses along with personal factors The Perception Process Selecting information Organizing information Interpreting information Improving information Schemas Organizing Perceptions Schemas Mental structures that put together related bits of information Help us understand how things work and how they should proceed Evolve and change over time Challenges with Schemas and Perception Mindlessness Passive information processing vs mindfulness Selective perception Receiving only the information we want Undue influence Giving another person power over our perceptions Attributions Interpreting Your Perceptions Attributions personal characteristics used to explain others behavior Fundamental attribution error overemphasizing internal underestimating external causes of behaviors Self serving bias attributing personal success to internal factors Interaction appearance theory changing another s attributions based on increased context Improving Your Perceptions Verify your perceptions Be thoughtful when seeking explanations Look beyond first impressions Perception in a Diverse World Culture affects how we perceive ourselves and others Perceptual Barriers Narrow perspective Cultural myopia believing one s own culture is appropriate and relevant in all situations Stereotyping Fitting others into an existing schema without adjusting the schema appropriately May be positive negative or neutral Prejudice Deep seated feelings of unkindness and ill will toward particular groups Usually based on negative stereotypes and feelings of superiority over those groups