Final answer:
The characteristics of a receptionist that make an impression on a patient include their appearance, professionalism, manners, and attitude. Notably, a messy appearance, lack of preparation, conveying a lack of confidence, and a negative attitude can all lead to a poor impression. In office ergonomics, the height of the chair is a factor that a human factors psychologist would consider.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of a receptionist that might make an impression on a patient include appearance, professionalism, manners, and attitude. A receptionist's appearance can influence a patient's first impression, reflecting the level of care they can expect. Lack of preparation or a messy appearance can convey a lack of professionalism. Professionalism itself is key, as it encompasses the overall conduct, behavior and attitude the receptionist has towards their work and the patients. Good manners are vital in creating a welcoming and respectful environment. Lastly, a positive attitude can greatly impact a patient's experience; conversely, a negative attitude or a lack of enthusiasm can negatively affect the patient's perception of the entire office.
In the context of a human factors psychologist considering aspects of an office workstation, they might be concerned with the height of the chair, as it's directly related to the ergonomic well-being of the employee, which can affect productivity and health.