TOK Essay: Social Perception

In society , people perceive each other in different ways. While some may look at a person in disgust, others may just think the opposite. In literary terms, " social perception is a individuals ability to create an impression or judgment of other individuals or social groups. This is formed by observation and understanding information about an individual and draw out certain conclusions." To see people in this perspective is classified under social cognition, or the brains ability to process available information about other things or people. Aside from available information, observers with different moods and temperament can account for a variety of perceptions. In fourth grade, I judged Alexander Wartels to be unfriendly and aloof from society, however after meeting and associating with him, I realized that he was a very sociable and friendly person. Now, he is one of my best friends. In the past however, when someone judges me, they tend to look at me very

awkwardly because I am really quiet. For example, in an Indian party, an elderly woman looked at me rather strangely because while everybody was talking, I was all alone, so she talked to me and got to know me better.