Forming Impressions of Other People

Question 1

Social Cognition

Answer 1

Involves how we interpret, analyse, remember and use information to make judgements about others in different social situations.

Question 2

Person Perception

Answer 2

The mental processes that we use to form impressions and draw conclusions about the personal characteristics of other people.

Question 3

Halo Effect

Answer 3

A cognitive bias in which the impression that we form about one quality of a person (e.g. physical attractiveness) influences our beliefs and expectations about the person in other qualities.

Question 4

Non Verbal Communication

Answer 4

Body language: communicating inner aspects of ourselves through facial expressions, eye gaze, posture, gestures and other bodily movements.

Question 5

Eye Contact

Answer 5

Considered the most significant form of non-verbal communication.
In Western culture, if eye contact is maintained most of the time, it is perceived as a sign of interest, honesty and friendliness. However, too much eye contact can be perceived as threatening and uncomfortable.

Question 6

Facial Expressions

Answer 6

Ekman and Friesen (1968) found that most individuals can accurately identify expressions associated with emotions, regardless of their cultural background.