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A perceptual set refers to a predisposition to perceive things in a certain way.
What Is a Perceptual Set?
For example, think about the last time you started a new class.
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Did you have any expectations at the outset that might have influenced your experience in the class?
If you expect a class to be boring, are you more likely to be uninterested in class?
Inpsychology, this is what is known as a perceptual set.
A perceptual set is basically a tendency to view things only in a certain way.
How It Works
How do psychologists define perceptual sets?
“Perception can also be influenced by an individual’s expectations, motives, and interests.
Sometimes, perceptual sets can be helpful.
They often lead us to make fairly accurate conclusions about what exists in the world around us.
In cases where we find ourselves wrong, we often develop new perceptual sets that are more accurate.
Sometimes, our perceptual sets can lead us astray.
In one experiment that illustrates this tendency, participants were presented with different non-words, such assael.
Top-Down Processing
A perceptual set is a good example of what is known astop-down processing.
In top-down processing, perceptions begin with the most general and move toward the more specific.
Such perceptions are heavily influenced by context, expectations, and prior knowledge.
Existingschemas, mental frameworks, and concepts often guide perceptual sets.
“Once we have formed a wrong idea about reality, we have more difficulty seeing the truth.
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