PSY2203 Lecture 2: Priming effects in judgement and behaviour

Question 1

What is the link between perception and behaviour?

Answer 1

Perception gives us an understanding of our environment, and therefore how we should behave in this environment.

Question 2

How are animals and humans different in terms of perception and behaviour?

Answer 2

In animals, perception always leads to behaviour (i.e.) flight and hunt.
In humans, perception processes can occur independently from action.

Question 3

What’s an example of a type of behaviour we can perform as a result of our perception of the environment.

Answer 3

Imitation. Perceiving an action activates mental representation of this action. Which activates premotor cortex, also responsible for performing.
It’s the way we’re made…!

Question 4

What is an example of how we unconsciously imitate what we perceive.

Answer 4

Zajonc et al 1982. When people looked at yearbook photos they automatically imitated the facial expressions. But when given gum and a distraction, they didnt.
Shows how perceiving action simulates action in the brain as performing it would, but sometimes execution gets blocked.

Question 5

What are 3 examples of what we perceive which we then imitate?

Answer 5

Trait inferences
Social stereotyped
Observables

Question 6

What is meant by observables that we perceive and then imitate?

Answer 6

Facial expressions, behaviour matching (drinking your drink at the same time on a date), speech-related variables (like tone of voice)

Question 7

What is meant by social stereotypes that we perceive and then imitate?

Answer 7

.

Question 8

What is meant by trait inferences that we perceive and then imitate?

Answer 8

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