Errors in Our Perceptions
Once we understand the active nature of perception and recognize that people hold unique
perceptions as a consequence, we can see that we might make errors when we perceive other
people. Although many types of errors exist, we discuss only two of the most common errors
here: stereotyping and relying on first impressions. Detailed discussions of the many types of
errors are beyond the scope of this edition of Human Communication, but you may discuss
them in class.
STEREOTYPING
Stereotyping occurs when we offer a hasty generalization about a group based on a judgment
about an individual from that group.
How does stereotyping work? First, we categorize other people into groups based on a variety
of criteria-age, assigned sex, gender, race, sexual identity, occupation, nation of origin, region of
the country, or physical abilities. Initially, this type of categorization is a natural process that
helps people interpret their surroundings. Yet stereotyping becomes an issue when we refuse to
let people move from these perceived categories. Next, we infer that everyone within that group
has the same characteristics. For instance, we might conclude that all lesbians are masculine,
that all visually impaired people want help crossing the street, or that all older adults don't know
how to use social media. The trouble with stereotyping is that we practically insist that our
stereotypes are correct through selective attention (we see what we want to see) and selective
retention (we selectively sift through our past for memories that reinforce our stereotypes when
they may not be accurate or true). Our expectations and interpretations of the behavior of others
Once we understand the active nature of perception and recognize that people hold unique
perceptions as a consequence, we can see that we might make errors when we perceive other
people. Although many types of errors exist, we discuss only two of the most common errors
here: stereotyping and relying on first impressions. Detailed discussions of the many types of
errors are beyond the scope of this edition of Human Communication, but you may discuss
them in class.
STEREOTYPING
Stereotyping occurs when we offer a hasty generalization about a group based on a judgment
about an individual from that group.
How does stereotyping work? First, we categorize other people into groups based on a variety
of criteria-age, assigned sex, gender, race, sexual identity, occupation, nation of origin, region of
the country, or physical abilities. Initially, this type of categorization is a natural process that
helps people interpret their surroundings. Yet stereotyping becomes an issue when we refuse to
let people move from these perceived categories. Next, we infer that everyone within that group
has the same characteristics. For instance, we might conclude that all lesbians are masculine,
that all visually impaired people want help crossing the street, or that all older adults don't know
how to use social media. The trouble with stereotyping is that we practically insist that our
stereotypes are correct through selective attention (we see what we want to see) and selective
retention (we selectively sift through our past for memories that reinforce our stereotypes when
they may not be accurate or true). Our expectations and interpretations of the behavior of others
