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The process of the perception happens when an individual screens, selects, organizes, and interprets the stimuli to give them meaning Steers, 1991, p. 57. It
is a process of making sense out of one’s environment so an appropriate behavioral response can be made. It does not necessarily lead to an accurate
portrait of the environment, but rather, to a unique portrait, influenced by the needs, desires, values, and disposition of the perceiver.
Stimuli Sensor’s
selection of stimuli
Perception, organization, and
interpretation of stimuli
Behavioral response
Figure 2.1 The Perceptual Process Altman, Valenzi Hodgett1985, p. 86
There are four characteristics in an individual which influence the individual’s perception. They are the selection of stimuli, the organization of
stimuli, the situation, and the person’s self-concept Altman et al., 1985, p. 86.
a. The Selection of Stimuli
Of all the stimuli with which we are surrounded, we focus on only a small number. According to Altman et al. 1985, this process is known as selection and
is on a reason why people perceiving things differently p. 86.
b. The Organization of Stimuli
After information has undergone the selection process, it must be arranged so as to become meaningful. The mind tries to bring order by selecting certain
items and putting them together in a meaningful way that is based on experience.
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c. The Situation
A situation affects what a person perceives. Perceiving the perception accurately is also related to how well the person adjusts his or her behavior to the
situations.
d. The Self-Concept
Self-concept means the way people feel about and perceive themselves. According to Steers 1991, p. 66, self-concept represents a major influence on
how people perceive others. It means that this self-concept is important because the people’s mental picture of themselves determines much of what they perceive
and do. According to Altman et al. 1985, p. 90, an individual’s self-concept changes as the person matures.
In the perceptual process, several obstructions can be identified that inhibit the accuracy of people’s perception. According to Altman et al. 1985, p. 91, the
factors that contribute these obstructions are the stereotyping, the halo effect, the perceptual defense, and the projection.
a. The Stereotyping
According to Robbins 2005, stereotyping is judging someone on the basis of one’s perception of the group to which that person belongs p. 141. It
means that a person creates his or her own perception only based on a limited amount of information. Altman et al. 1985 state the bases for such stereotyping
may be derived from the schoolbooks and the mass media or from the past experience.
