Question

In the process of person perception, we initially form a very rapid first impression based largely on looking at other people's faces. According to the textbook, if you glanced at a stranger's face for only one-tenth of a second:

a) You can accurately determine their entire life story
b) You can identify their profession
c) You can determine their emotional state
d) You can accurately predict their future actions

Answer 1

In the process of person perception, if you glance at a stranger's face for only one-tenth of a second, the best we can determine is their emotional state, not any detailed personal information or future actions. c) You can determine their emotional state.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the process of person perception, when we glance at a stranger's face for only one-tenth of a second, according to the provided options, the correct answer is c) You can determine their emotional state. Our brains are quick to form first impressions and make rapid judgments based on facial expressions. Although these judgments can tell us about a person's current emotions, we cannot accurately determine their entire life story, profession, or predict their future actions based on such a brief encounter. Person perception involves complex processes and biases, where we might rely on stereotypes or previous experiences to inform our understanding but this comes with a risk of inaccuracy and prejudice.

It is noteworthy that person perception is often subject to errors, bias, and stereotyping. According to Gestalt theorists, our perceptions are not always accurate and are shaped by our perceptual hypotheses that we form based on our experiences and expectations. Recognizing the limitations of our snap judgments can help us avoid misunderstandings and practice more objective and empathetic social interactions.