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