Jimmy has finally got up the nerve to ask Miranda out on a date. Spotting her across the cafeteria, he makes eye contact and starts to move toward her. She turns her back on him. Jimmy, perceiving this as a rejection, loses his nerve and doesn't approach her, when in fact, Miranda had just heard her name called by someone else. Of what is Jimmy's reaction an example?
A) The meanings we attach to the behaviour of others shape our response to them.
B) Non-verbal signals are less relevant to social interaction than verbal signals are.
C) The meanings others attach to our behaviour shape our behaviour towards them.
D) Human beings merely react to one another's actions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jimmy's reaction is an example of how the meanings we attach to the behavior of others shape our response to them. He interpreted Miranda's action as a rejection, which influenced his decision not to approach her.

Jimmy Has Finally Got Up the Nerve to Ask Miranda