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Influences on Perception

Culture, gender, and personality affect perception

A sense of directness dominates the perceptual process. Someone says something to us, and with lightning speed we focus our attention, organize information, and interpret its meaning. Although this process seems unmediated, powerful forces outside of our conscious awareness shape our perception during every encounter, whether we’re communicating with colleagues, friends, family members, or lovers. Three of the most powerful influences on perception are culture, gender, and personality.