One of the ways of improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills is through perception checking. It is a simple tool to help interpret the behavior of others more accurately. Consider how often people jump to mistaken conclusions about others' thoughts, feelings, and motives:
(1) "Why are you mad at me?" (Who said you were?)
(2) "What's the matter with you?" (Who said anything was the matter?)
(3) "Come on now. Tell the truth." (Who said you were lying?)
ii) The skill of perception checking provides a better way to handle interpretations. A complete perception check has three parts:
(1) A description of the noticed behavior
(2) At least two possible interpretations of the behavior
(3) A request for clarification about how to interpret the behavior
iii) Write a 750-1000 word essay describing in detail a life situation where a complete perception check was used. Answer the following questions:
(1) What specific behaviors did you notice?
(2) What words, if any, did the other person use?
(3) What was your first interpretation of the behavior?
(4) What was your second interpretation of the behavior?
(5) How did you ask for clarification?
(6) Was your interpretation of the behavior correct?
(7) Conclude the essay by summarizing what you learned.
iv) Use standard essay format in APA style, including an introduction, conclusion, and title page. An abstract is not required. Cite in-text and in the references section.
