Cognition & Perception
What is Cognition? Cognition means the ability of humans to recognize and process information. It implies the existence of mental processes such as comprehension, inference, decision making, planning, and learning.
Perception
Perception is the process of:
Acquiring Interpreting Selecting and Organizing Sensory Information from internal & external sources
Difference between Sensation & Perception
Sensation is the response of a physical sensory organ to some stimuli. Sensation, in a way, is a mechanical response Perception is a thought response
Perceptual Process
Inputs Throughputs Output
[Stimuli]
Selection & Organization
Interpretation & Action
Let us discuss briefly each one of them
Elements of Perceptual Process
1. Receiving Stimuli from sensory sources
2. Selection of Stimuli: Many stimuli at a time from the environment.
This implies Selectivity from among stimuli.
Selective Perception
Selectivity- Two Psychological Principles
i.
Figure Ground Principle: meaningful bits of info is figure/ waste is ground ii. Relevancy: Relevant to the needs and desires of the person in question
Perceptual Process
3. Organization of Perception: Integrating the bits of information into a meaningful whole is organization Methods of Organization
i. ii.
iii.
Groupingsimilar pieces together Closure Tendency to form a complete message with incomplete data SimplificationLeaving the less important to more important
Perceptual Process
4. Interpretation
Assigning Meaning to data is Interpretation
Influencing Factors while interpreting: Halo effect, Attribution, Stereotyping, Personality, Situation, Perceiver
Perceptual Process
5. Action: This is the resultant behavior emerging out of perceptual process. May be negative/ positive
Factors Affecting Perception
Internal & External to the Perceiver
Internal: Needs & Desires Personality Experience: Successful / Failure
Factors Affecting Perception 2
External Factors
Factors relate to what is to be perceived
Situation Size: Establishes dominance & enhances perceptual selection Intensity: Loud and soft Frequency/ Repetition Contrast Status
Improving Perception
Methods to improve Perception
Perceiving oneself accurately: More awareness about oneself with open communication Improving ones self concept Be empathetic Having Positive Attitude Avoiding Perceptual Distortions Communicating Openly
Perception- Its Applications
1. 2. 3. 4. Employment Interviews Performance Appraisal Performance Expectation Employee Effort & Loyalty