Re:Module 1 DQ 1

The accuracy of first impressions is of particular interest to those studying attribution theories. Give an example of a situation in which a first impression led you to make a correct attribution and one in which the attribution you made from a first impression was wrong. Which theory of attribution is most supported by your experiences? Why?

How people create first impressions in this writer's opinion on the onset of this information is an individual endeavor. I support the information that individuals attribute the behavior of others more so to an individual's attitudes and inner traits and do not consider situational constraints that may be obvious or not (Weiner & Stewart, 1984b). First impressions are affected by various factors, Facial expression, and the cues received from the impressions reflecting observance of one's behavior leading more again to internal attribution in the impression.

In parallel with Heider in most first impressions I will tend to be pra¨gnanz, perceiving environment according to conditions, seeking clarity for accurate impression (Crandall, Silvia, N'Gbala, Tsang, & Dawson, 2007).

Generally, for myself it is not so much facial expressions I observe as much as attitude and energy. In first meeting my current supervisor from facial expressions I would have declared I was sized up and judged on some scale of class. The stern non expression on the face was perceived as the person being condescending and narcissistic. Yet with the body language there was an energy of interest and curiosity with that revealed impressions of a person of grace and liberal understanding. This perception turned out to be correct. Yet there have been cases where this energy was a farce as with the facial expression reflected interest and concern. As with a recent interview I attended where the energy seemed positive and the facial expressions were direct and polite. Later I was informed I was perceived as inconsistent to the position and lacking understanding, yet I did not see this perception at all. I opened up to be more personal in the interview with the first impression of being with a candid and direct person. Thinking I was clearly understood and would be told differently as to my first impression led me to not be as explanatory in my answers.

The general patterns of theories formed in first impressions are aligned with my culture, and patterns from different experiences. A cluster of behaviors organize an impression based on causal links connecting internal and external attributes ("Social psychology: Third edition by Eliot R. Smith and Diane M. Mackie," n.d.).

Crandall, C. S., Silvia, P. J., N'Gbala, A. N., Tsang, J.-A., & Dawson, K. (2007). Balance theory, unit relations, and attribution: The underlying integrity of Heiderian theory. Review of General Psychology, 11(1), 12-30. doi:10.1037/1089-2680.11.1.12
Social psychology: Third edition by Eliot R. Smith and Diane M. Mackie. Retrieved July 23, 2016, from http://psypress.co.uk/smithandmackie/resources/topic.asp?topic=ch03-tp-02

Weiner, E. A., & Stewart, B. J. (1984b). Assessing individuals: psychological and educational tests and measurements (2nd ed.). Boston: TBS The Book Service
Deborah Hill

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Re:Module 1 DQ 1

The accuracy of first impressions is of particular interest to those studying attribution theories. Give an example of a situation in which a first impression led you to make a correct attribution and one in which the attribution you made from a first impression was wrong. Which theory of attribution is most supported by your experiences? Why?

According to literature, Heider implied that first impressions are linked to survival and consistency tendencies to avoid conflicting emotions that might generate mixed feelings causing instability (Crandall, Silivia, N'Gbala, Tsang, & Dawson, 2007). Perceptual tendencies of individuals to survive demonstrate the probability of a uniqueness among individual claims in specifically characterizing others by the slightest degree of knowledge based on facial expression which includes attribution (cause of perception) and balance theory (efforts to maintain harmony) (Crandall, et al., 2007).

One of my encounters with first impressions took place with my soon to be mother-in law. Seriously, at our first meeting, she greeted me with a neutral facial impression and did not pause for conversation as she walked through her living room and said, "Hi." I believed then, that our relationship would be strained and knew she did not approve. After our wedding, she did not speak to her son for three months when he called to stay in touch with his family. This is one time, I wished my instinct for survival was wrong, but she overcame her dissapproval when she saw how much we loved he other, how well we working together and raised her grandsons. Thus, we eventually bonded and I had the pleasure of assisting her with personal care at her end of life stages. She moved in with us and together, we became her caregivers.

I believe the theory of attribution of balance theory and unit formation most supports my encounters with first impressions based on my instincts for survival and affect.

A previous supervisor held a facial expression that appeared to be angry and distant based on his facial structure and stern tone of voice. During the employment interview which ended to soon in my opinion. My impression was that he was not impressed with my credentials, experience or personality and finally, I didn't think he woud hire me because the interview was brief. I was amazed by the call for a second interview and the potential for obtaining the therapist position. I was offered the position and hired after the second interview.

References

Crandall, C. S., Silvia, P. J., N'Gbala, A. N., Tsang, J., & Dawson, K. (2007). Balance theory, unit relations, and attribution: The underlying integrity of Heiderian theory. Review Of General Psychology, 11(1), 12-30.doi:10.1037/1089-2680.11.1.12