Question

13. Name three concepts (each coming from a different chapter) discussed this term that support the statement, "It is our perception of reality, not reality itself, that influences our behavior." Briefly explain how each of the three concepts supports the statement.

Answer 1

The following concepts support the statement, "It is our perception of reality, not reality itself, that influences our behavior."

• Cognitive biases: A cognitive bias is an error in reasoning, evaluating, remembering, that occurs as a result of holding onto one's preferences and beliefs regardless of contrary information. Our decision making is impacted due to the erroneous perception of stimuli.
• Defense mechanisms: A defense mechanism is an unconscious psychological mechanism that reduces anxiety arising from unacceptable or potentially harmful stimuli. Defense mechanisms often distort reality so that we are able to cope with it.
• Sensory illusion: An illusion is a distortion of the senses, which can reveal how the human brain normally organizes and interprets sensory stimulation. Sensory illusions produce or tend to produce false beliefs.