First Impressions

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer points out that the study of first impressions reveals much about the human nature of perception and the way that various categories, presumptions and assumptions about other human beings are almost immediately formed. The writer notes that there are also other views that place more emphasis on learned socio-psychological responses that come into play in first impressions. The writer also explains that the need to immediately ascertain the nature and intention of the other person is something that deeply influences human interaction in many modern contexts. This study is intended to shed some light on aspects of this phenomenon.

Outline:
Introduction
Background information
Main discussion
Analysis
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The issue of first impressions, from a social and psychological point of view, is related to the study of human perception. Human perception is firstly influenced by physical aspects such as sight, color, etc. However, perception is also concerned with the way that these physical inputs are interpreted and affected by various psychological and social criteria. The first impressions of another person are therefore influenced by factors such as appearance and categories related to prior data and perceptions. An important aspect that many studies point to is that first impression can be "wrong" or be altered by later impressions. However studies have also found that first impressions tend to strongly influence later perceptions and judgments. Another aspect that has to be taken into account is context. Context influences the type and the nature of the first impressions. For example, the various prejudices and categories that function within a dating situation will be different from those in an interview situation."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Attribution Theory of Fritz Heider. [Online] Available from: <http://www.afirstlook.com/archive/attribut.cfm?source=archther>[14 July 2006].
• Bodenhausen G. and Macrae C. 2001. Social cognition: Categorical person perception. [Online] British Journal of Psychology; 2/1/2001, Available from: <http://www.highbeam.com> [14 July 2006].
• First Impressions Of Beauty May Demonstrate Why The Pretty Prosper. [Online] Available from: <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/01/060124223317.htm>[14 July 2006].
• Gassner L. 2004. Don't rush to judgment: relying on first impressions when assessing a job applicant can lead to a poor hiring decision. [Online] HRMagazine; 1/1/2004, Available from: http://www.highbeam.com [14 July 2006].
• Mc Keachie W. and Doyle L. 1970, Psychology, 2nd Edition, Addison- Wesley, New York.

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