IGNOU : M.COM : MCO 1 : UNIT 6 : Q - 2. Explain process of perception. What are the factors those influence perception?

 

Ans. PROCESS OF PERCEPTION

The model of process of perception describes four stages.

Stage 1: It describes perceptual inputs. Perceptual inputs encompass all stimuli that exist in our environment including information, objects, events, people etc. The perceiver receives these inputs. 

Stage 2: It describes perceptual mechanisms or throughputs. This is the transformation of perceptual inputs to outputs. It involves the three processes of selecting, organising, and interpreting the stimuli that are in the environment. Though all individuals go through the same three steps, while transforming the perceptual inputs to outputs, they differ in how do they select, organise and interpret stimuli based on their own personality predispositions and biases.

Stage 3: Perceptual outputs are derived through the processing of perceptual throughputs. These include one’s attitudes, opinions, feelings, values, and actions. Perceptual errors may adversely affect the outputs. Hence, managers should enhance their perceptual skills.

Stage 4: Behaviour is a resultant factor. The perceiver’s behaviour, in turn, generates responses and these reactions give rise to a new set of inputs. Out of four stages of process of perception, stage 1 and stage 4 are simpler to comprehend which describe inputs and final outcomes respectively. You need to gain more insight with respect to stage 2, and stage 3 of the process. You shall understand stage 2, and stage 3 in better way after going through sections 6.3 and 6.4 respectively.

 

FACTORS INFLUENCING PERCEPTION

Perception is influenced by mainly three sets of factors:

i) Factors in the perceiver (perceiver variables);

ii) Factors in the target (subject characteristics);

iii) Factors in the situation (situational variables).

Factors in the perceiver include following issues:

• Self-concept of the perceiver;

• Attitudes of the perceiver;

• Motives of the perceiver;

• Interests of the perceiver;

• Experience of the perceiver;

• Expectations of the perceiver. Factors in the target include following issues:

• Physical appearance;

• Verbal and Nonverbal Communication;

• Status;

• Occupations;

• Personal characteristics;

• Novelty of the target;

• Motion of the target;

• Sounds of the target;

• Size of the target;

• Background of the target;

• Proximity of the target. Factors in the situation include following issues:

• Social context;

• Organisational role;

• Work setting;

• Location of event;

• Time. Collectively,

these three sets of factors determine our perceptions about others.