Assignment: Perception

Quite often, our perceptions influence our judgment of people or events. For example, when we are driving and someone cuts us off, some of us instinctively yell, throw our hands up, and stretch forward to try to see the other driver. We announce loudly that the driver is a mindless idiot and should not be allowed on the road. However, that is merely our perception. Maybe the driver was rushing because her son broke his arm and she was trying to get to the Emergency Room. Having that knowledge would certainly change the way we perceived the driver and his or her actions.

In this assignment we will take a look at the four stages of perception covered in your online readings as they relate to the video "Language in the Office". In this scenario, you will examine the perspective of one of the four main characters. The character you are assigned is based on the first letter of your last name (unless your instructor assigns you a different character).

1. John-starts the scenario talking to Regina (last name beginning with A-F)
2. Regina-working at the desk (last name beginning with G-M)
3. Brian-another employee (holding the football) (last name beginning with N-S)
4. Gerald-assistant manager (last name beginning with T-Z)

Watch the video, "Language in the Office" and for your initial post, take on the perspective of your assigned character. (Click here to view the text transcript of the video.) Provide some insight as to why you think your character responded the way he or she did. You will walk through the perception process and create a perception of your character and the scenario. Your initial post should be a minimum of three paragraphs (one for each of the first three stages of perception).

Stage 1: Selection

How do you think your character perceives the scenario? What were the verbal/non-verbal cues that justify your answer? Remember, in the selection phase it is usually the loud or out of the ordinary items that get selected first. As you work through this process, notice what is catching the attention of your character. What is not catching the attention of your character? What type of mood is your character in?

Stage 2: Organization

Now that you have perceived the scenario, you must organize the information of his/her surroundings. Take a look at each of the other characters in the scenario. Based on their looks alone, classify each of the characters. For instance, you might look at a woman in a business suit as being a successful person, or if you see a person driving in a limousine, you would think that they were rich. Assess the other characters based on what you see in the scenario.

Stage 3: Interpretation

Now that you have described your character and done a brief assessment of each of the other characters in the scenario, examine the non-verbal cues that the other members are giving through the video. Based on their tone, communication, and non-verbal cues write a brief description of your perception of each team member.

Post your initial response to the Discussion Area.

After you have made your initial post, you will conduct the last stage in the perception process in your responses to your classmates. Find a classmate that has posted from the perspective of a different character than yours.

Step 4: Negotiation

Read through the perception process of the other characters. Did your classmate perceive their character the same way that you perceived their character? Did your classmate perceive your character the same way that you did? What were some of your similarities and differences in perception?

Responses to classmates' posts should be substantive and be at least 150-200 words in length. Your responses should elaborate on your thoughts, bringing in terms and ideas from your text and classroom materials to support your ideas. Please post and respond following the criteria listed below.

Complete your participation for this assignment by the due date assigned.

Guidelines for responding to your classmates' posts:

Appropriate responses may include:

• Asking a follow-up question
• Furthering the discussion
• Reinforcing a response
• Adding another dimension

Inappropriate responses include:

• Using simple statements of agreement/disagreement
• Making personal attacks
• Arguing without supportive evidence
• Making off-topic comments.