Confusing facts with inferences directly relate to the interpretation step of the perceptual process. A concept to be aware of is how our emotional reactions to past and present experiences affect our inferences. We may infer meaning based on how we felt about something rather than on what we actually saw. This conclusion may often be incorrect. Let’s say you are supposed to meet your significant other at
3:00 PM. You decide to show up a little early as a surprise only to find when you get close to the house, he is on the front porch hugging an attractive person goodbye. You immediately assign meaning to the sensory input based on your past experiences.
Once the other person is gone, you confront your partner by yelling accusations. When your significant other finally gets a chance to explain what you thought you saw, you find out the person is a sibling you have not yet met. In this case, emotional reactions clouded the ability to infer accurately (Oral Communication:
Skills, Choices and Consequence). Choices and Consequences Describe a situation where you have assigned meaning incorrectly. What happened? What were the consequences? What do you wish you had done differently?
3:00 PM. You decide to show up a little early as a surprise only to find when you get close to the house, he is on the front porch hugging an attractive person goodbye. You immediately assign meaning to the sensory input based on your past experiences.
Once the other person is gone, you confront your partner by yelling accusations. When your significant other finally gets a chance to explain what you thought you saw, you find out the person is a sibling you have not yet met. In this case, emotional reactions clouded the ability to infer accurately (Oral Communication:
Skills, Choices and Consequence). Choices and Consequences Describe a situation where you have assigned meaning incorrectly. What happened? What were the consequences? What do you wish you had done differently?
