Final answer:
The impressions we form of others are susceptible to perceptual biases, which can affect our interactions and judgments. Biases like the actor-observer bias and confirmation bias play roles in how we interpret others' behaviors and seek information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impressions we form of others are susceptible to a number of perceptual biases. These biases can significantly affect our perception of others and have the potential to influence our interactions and judgments. Perception can be affected by several factors including our experiences, expectations, and cultural background. When we talk about the susceptible nature of our perceptual processes, it is often in reference to the tendency of our judgments to be influenced by cognitive shortcuts that can lead to errors in how we interpret what others do or say.
For instance, the actor-observer bias suggests that we tend to attribute our own behaviors to situational factors, whereas we attribute others' behaviors to their dispositions. Similarly, the confirmation bias leads us to seek out and give more weight to information that supports our preexisting beliefs or stereotypes, further entrenching those views. This underlines the importance of recognizing and considering our own biases when interacting with others, as it can affect interpersonal relationships and contribute to systemic issues like prejudice and discrimination.