Friday, September 4, 2020

Factors that Distort Perception: Selection

Continuing my discussions on perception and sensation and the perceptual dimension...

Perceptual selectivity is one of the most common factors that distort perception. It is our ability to focus on some sensory inputs while we disregard others. I will, for instance, tend to focus on stimuli that satisfy my needs and are consistent with my attitudes, values and personality.

image credit: streetfoodkolkata.com

Thus, as I've described in another post on this blog, if I'm really hungry on my walk down the street, I will notice the jhalmuri-wallah, the samosas being fried in the corner shop, the puchchka vendor and in the process, I would perhaps miss the DON'T WALK signal being flashed as I cross the street.

Of course, some stimuli have the ability to draw attention to themselves whether or not I want to select them. A really bad smell will make itself registered whether I want to select it, as will a really loud bang
image credit: werakak.com

The author, Dr. Ranee Kaur Banerjee consults under the brand Expressions@Work to create and deliver learning and development programs in communication and soft skills.

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