A dynamic perspective on visual perception in social cognition and action

Emily Balcetis, Shana Cole

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Although people believe they see the world as it really is, perceptual experience contradicts this conception. This chapter discusses the conditions of the visual system and psychological process by which visual representations fail to correspond to reality. It argues that perception is not simply a product of the qualities of the actual object present but also a result of characteristics of the perceiver. Because the visual input the sensory system receives is imprecise and because attentional resources are relatively limited, an ambiguity arises that is resolved by social context, past experience, and directed and selective visual attention. This chapter proposes the dynamic integration of multiple sources of information that collectively work to shape visual experience and comments on the distinction between visual experience and cognitive judgment. Finally, it discusses the social psychological implications of such a dynamic visual system for regulating action in a social world, including for legal decisions, intergroup relations, discrimination, health, relationships, and culture.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Social Cognition, Second Edition
PublisherOxford University Press
Pages171-197
Number of pages27
ISBN (Electronic)9780197763445
ISBN (Print)9780197763414
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 21 2024

Keywords

  • Action
  • Ambiguity
  • Attention
  • Judgment
  • Perception
  • Regulation
  • Representation
  • Vision

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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