9 environment or in the world. It is possible that each person hashisher own
perception of a phenomenon based on hisher own way of thinking.
b. The Process of Perception
According to Altman at al. 1985:86, a perceptual process begins when the individual’s sensor select the data from the stimulus. Sensory receptors store
the stimulus that are obtained from the environment and then transfer it to the brain. Altmanat al. 1985:86 also states
that “the sensor selects the data from stimulus and allow individual to interpret to the sensory message”. Next,
perception is formed after the stimulus isinterpreted by the brain. Finally, the result of the individual’s perception will lead them to different behavior response.
Furthermore, Altman at al. 1985: 86 defines the perceptual process as shown in figure below:
Figure 2.1 The Perceptual Process Altman at al., 1985, p. 86
c. Factors Influencing Perception
According to Altmanat al. 1985, there are four factors that can influence someone’s perception; there are selection of stimuli, organization of stimuli,
situation, and the person’s self concept. The first factor that can influence
Stimuli Sensors’
selection of stimuli
Perception, organization,
and interpretation
of stimuli Behavioral
response
10 perception is the selection of stimuli. People focus on only small number of
stimuli, whereas there are a lot of stimuli surrounded. This process is known as selection. It is the reason why people perceive things differently.
The second factor is the organization of stimuli. After the information has undergone the screening process that is, been selected, it must be arranged so as
to become meaningful. The next factor is situation. A person familiarity with, expectation about, a
situation, as well as his or her past experience, affect what that person perceives. Perceiving a situation accurately is also related to how well a person adjusts his or
her behavior to situations. The last factor is self concept. Self concept is the way people feel about
and perceive themselves. The way people see themselves affects their perception of the world around them. Self concept is important because
people’s mental picture of themselves determine much of what people perceive and do. In most
cases, an individual’s self concept changes as the person matures.
2. Role Play
