Perception sometimes can also change and does not remain static. It depends on the stimulus, which is experienced by people who perceive. For
example, the researcher perceives that being a teacher was not enjoyable occupation in the past because he has not experienced being as a teacher yet. But,
now the experience may change that being a teacher is an enjoyable occupation after he has teaching experience. So, from the example, it can be seen that stimuli
can affect people in forming their new perception. If perception can change, it is also possible for the students to change their
perception on what they experience especially on the use of mind-mapping technique. The students’ perception on the use of mind-mapping can change
based on the stimuli during experiencing it in their learning process. It is very important and useful to see the progress of the students in their learning process.
The students’ perception on the use on mind-mapping can be gained from a process in forming a perception. They have a signal that is mind-mapping
technique in their learning process based on their need. Then, they experience and observe their signal or stimuli. In this process, the cognitive process is also
happening in their mind. Finally, they have their own perception when the process is complete.
c. Factors Influencing Perceptions
According to Gibson et al. 1985, there are six factors influencing people perception. They are stereotyping, selectivity, self-concept, situation, needs, and
emotions.
1 Stereotype
Stereotype is a set of beliefs about the characteristics of people in particular in particular group that is generalized to all members of the group
Gibson et al., 1985. It means that what people believe is related to and might be influenced by the ethnic group membership. Altman et al. 1985 adds that
stereotype is the process of categorizing people or things based on limited amount of information. It means that people choose their own category of people or things
based on their expectation. In the perception on the use of mind-mapping, the stereotype might occur. People or students concern with things which are
appropriate to their stereotype and might be influenced by others that do not match with their perception.
2 Selectivity
According to Gibson et al. 1985, people tend to ignore information or cues that might make them feel discomfort. So, people tend to select the positive
stimuli then process them in the brain because it is impossible for them to have all the stimuli. However, people have their own interest so that each person will
select what is the important one in fulfilling the needs. In the mind-mapping technique, students have their own interest toward the mind-mapping technique
and whether this technique is important for them or not.
3 Self-concept
According to Mouly 1973, people only receive something that is consistent with their motives or goals. People can only interpret their experience
to make them compatible with their present self-concept. The paradigm or the way we see our self will also influence our perception. People will have the
perception after they choose the stimuli by themselves. Self-concept is often performed in the attitudes based on the stimuli which may result at the feeling like
or dislike about certain thing.
4 Situation
The pressure of time will literally force a manager to overlook some details, to rush certain activities, and to ignore certain stimuli such as request from
other managers or superiors Gibson et al., 1985. Altman et al. 1985 adds that expectation towards situation may affect what he or she perceived. In the mind-
mapping technique, the situation during the process of the implementation of mind-mapping technique is important in forming the perception. Students will
see the situation of the stimuli especially in mind-mapping technique before they finally get the perception.
5 Needs
People are significantly influenced by needs and desires Gibson et al., 1985. People do something based on their needs. In the use of mind-mapping,
the needs of the students of their learning will also affect their perception.
6 Emotions
According to Gibson et al. 1985, strong emotions often distort perception. All people have emotion, so different emotion will also have different
perception.
In the next discussion, the writer presents the definition of Extensive Reading and some principles related to Extensive Reading.
