Factors Affecting Perception

Factors affecting perception

1. Factors in the perceiver
2. Factors in the object or target being perceived

Factors in the context of the situation in which the perception is made

• Factors in the perceiver
  • Attitude: if a person has a positive attitude towards a person or an event or a situation, he /she sees positive aspects more on them.
  • Moods: when in a positive mood we form a more positive impression of others. When in a negative mood we tend to evaluate another event on favorable
  • Expectation: you will see what you expect to see. If we are expecting a call from someone. If someone rings the doorbell, we may receive the phone saying hello.
  • Past experience: nice dog-dog bite—bad dog
  • Motives (hungry person—odd food): unsatisfied need or motive stimulate an individual and may exert a strong influence on their perception.
  • Interest: Imagine 5 people taking a walk through the park.
    • A botanist
    • A zoology
    • A psychology
    • A pickpocket
  • Cultural background: in Hindu culture, the cow is regarded as the goddess Laxmi whereas in other cultures, it might be regarded as a good source of meat.

Factors in target

Characteristics in the target that is being observed can affect what is perceived physical appearance plays a big role in our perception.

1. Size: very big or very small full page and advertising in the newspaper small column.
2. Intensity: higher the intensity of stimulus lightly to perceived. E.g. bold letters or words highlighted.
3. Novelty: anything new thing related to a person or a situation or an event.
4. Contrast: we perceived objects quickly which are different or possess any on the usual factors.
5. Motion: we are attached to moving an object as compared to still objects.
6. Frequency: repeated stimulus is more attention than a single one. E.g. advertising
7. Similarity: an object with similar characteristics attracts quickly. E.g. branded products copy
8. Verbal, non-verbal communication: eye contact, body movement, facial expression.

Factor in the situation

An individual's perception of another person is affected by the context in which they engage with that person (the "target"). Time, place of employment, and company culture are just a few of the variables that might come into play. For instance, people may not notice a person who is heavily dressed on a warm day, but they may if they saw the same person dressed identically on a chilly day. In this case, perceptions and targets are identical; the only variable is the context.