The Questions

. 1.   How would you describe Jim’s self-concept?

 2. How is self-concept affecting the interaction? Is it helping it? Hindering it? Explain using concepts from the text.

  3. Using the process of human perception starting on page 64, explain the situation from your perspective as a student.

   4. Using the guidelines for improving perception and communication starting on page 79 of the text, provide at least two tips for both Jim and his father on how to handle the situation in an effective way. Make sure to incorporate the text guidelines with proper in-text citations to support your points.

   5. Please explain, using concepts from the course and text material, the most significant thing learned from this Assignment.

The 7 Guidelines for Improving Perception and Communication:

• Recognize that all perceptions are partial and subjective: They are partial because we cannot perceive everything and subjective because we are influenced by many factors. Avoid thinking our perceptions are the only valid ones.
• Avoid mind reading: When we assume we understand what another thinks, feels, or perceives, we may be misinterpreting them. Allow people to speak for themselves.
• Check perceptions with others: Because perceptions are partial and subjective, and because mind reading is ineffective, we need to compare our perceptions with others. Done in a non-accusatory way, this can minimize defensiveness and help you arrive at a mutual understanding.
• Distinguish between facts and inferences: Facts are objective statements based on observation. Inferences involve interpretation that goes beyond the facts. Use more tentative words like “seems” instead of “is” to differentiate an inference from a fact.
• Guard against the self-serving bias: Monitor yourself to see whether you unjustifiably attribute your accomplishments to your own efforts or attribute your failures or adverse behaviors to factors beyond your control.
• Guard against the fundamental attribution error: Monitor yourself to see whether you assume another’s unwanted behavior is due to internal rather than external factors. Ask yourself, “What factors in the person’s situation might lead to this behavior?”
• Monitor labels: Be sensitive to how others interpret labels and choose your words accordingly.