When you learn that your english instructor also writes bovels under a pen name, your perception of them changes. This is due to which influence on perception?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Stereotyping
Explanation:
The change in perception when you learn that your English instructor writes novels under a pen name is due to stereotyping, which is one of the key influences on perception. Stereotyping involves forming generalized beliefs or expectations about someone based on certain characteristics or roles. In this case, the initial perception of the instructor may have been shaped solely by their role as a teacher. You may have formed ideas about their personality, interests, or capabilities based on the typical traits associated with educators.
However, discovering that the instructor is also a novelist challenges the stereotype you held. This new information introduces a different side of their identity that you had not considered, leading you to reassess your earlier assumptions. Perhaps you now see them as more creative, imaginative, or interesting. This shift in perception reveals how stereotypes can influence how people are initially understood, and how new information can break those stereotypes.
Perception is not static. It is shaped by personal experiences, cultural background, social roles, and cognitive biases. The moment you receive new information that contrasts with an existing stereotype, your brain re-evaluates the person in light of this unexpected detail. This is a cognitive process where you reconcile old beliefs with new data, often leading to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the person.
In summary, the change in your view of the instructor comes from breaking away from an initial stereotype. It reflects how perceptions are formed and modified, highlighting the powerful role that stereotypes play in shaping how individuals are viewed and understood in everyday life.