Question 1

Affirmative action programs ALWAYS fix perception problems and stereotypes.

Accepted Answer

Affirmative action programs can help address systemic inequalities and increase representation, but they do not always completely eliminate perception problems and stereotypes. These issues can still persist even with affirmative action programs in place.

Question 2

In the minds of many people, targets with a relatively high status are perceived to be less responsible for their actions than lower-status targets.

Accepted Answer

In the minds of many people, targets with a relatively high status are perceived to be more responsible for their actions than lower-status targets.

Question 3

People who are high on self-monitoring are more likely to engage in impression management than individuals who are low on self-monitoring.

Accepted Answer

Self-monitoring refers to an individual's ability to regulate their behavior to match the situational demands. High self-monitors are known to be more aware of social cues and adjust their behavior accordingly to convey a favorable image to others. Therefore, they are more likely to engage in impression management, which involves controlling or manipulating the information they present to others to create a certain impression. On the other hand, individuals who are low on self-monitoring are less likely to engage in impression management as they are less concerned with presenting a particular image to others.

Question 4

Impression management is a two-way street engaged in by people at all organizational levels.

Accepted Answer

Impression management involves individuals at all levels of an organization working to control and influence how others perceive them. This can include everything from the way a person dresses to the language they use when speaking to others. However, it is important to note that impression management is not a one-way process and is often reciprocated by others in the organization.

Question 5

As the ambiguity of the target increases, it becomes more likely that different perceivers will differ in their perceptions of the target.

Accepted Answer

As the target becomes more ambiguous, there is more room for interpretation and individual differences in perception can arise.

Question 6

Motivational states can result in inaccurate perceptions and faulty decision making.

Accepted Answer

Motivational states can bias our perceptions and influence our decision making, leading to errors and inaccuracies. For example, having a strong desire for a particular outcome may cause us to overlook evidence that contradicts it, or to be more willing to accept flimsy justifications for our decisions. Similarly, feeling anxious or stressed can impair our ability to process information and make rational judgments. It is important to be aware of these potential biases and to try to approach problems with a clear and open mind, in order to make the best possible decisions.

Question 7

Lying is a common form of impression management.

Accepted Answer

Most impression management is an attempt to convey a positive impression without lying about one's capabilities, achievements, and experiences.

Question 8

Conformity to situational norms is easy when doing business internationally.

Accepted Answer

Conforming to situational norms can often be difficult for people operating in the international arena.

Question 9

Perceivers see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear, and believe what they want to believe because of their motivational states.

Accepted Answer

Perceivers are influenced by their motivational states and biases, leading them to interpret information in ways that reinforce their existing beliefs and desires. This can result in selective attention, perception, and memory that are shaped by their goals and motivations.

Question 10

As the ambiguity of a target increases, it becomes increasingly difficult for perceivers to form accurate perceptions.

Accepted Answer

Ambiguity refers to a lack of clarity or uncertainty in a target or situation, which can make it difficult for perceivers to accurately perceive and interpret what is happening. As the level of ambiguity increases, it can become increasingly challenging for perceivers to form accurate perceptions and make sense of what they are experiencing. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Question 11

Salient individuals are often perceived in more extreme terms (positive or negative) than inconspicuous members of a group are perceived.

Accepted Answer

Salient individuals stand out from the group and attract more attention, so people tend to have stronger reactions and perceptions of them compared to inconspicuous members who blend in with the group. This phenomenon is known as the "halo effect" or the "devil effect," where people project their overall impression of an individual onto specific traits or behaviors, either positively or negatively.

Question 12

The salience of the target in a given situation is the extent to which the target stands out in a group of people or things.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately defines the concept of salience in a given situation.

Question 13

A perceiver's motivational state does not influence his or her perception of the target.

Accepted Answer

The perceiver's needs, values, and desires (motivational state) influence his or her perception of the target.

Question 14

The situation provides the perceiver with information to use in interpreting the target.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The situation or context in which the target is observed can influence how the perceiver interprets the target's behavior or characteristics. For example, if someone is seen shouting and gesturing wildly on a street corner, the perceiver might interpret this behavior differently if they know that the person is a street performer putting on a show, rather than if they assume the person is angry or unstable.

Question 15

A target of perception does NOT play a role in managing the perceptions that others have of him or her.

Accepted Answer

A target of perception can play an active role in managing the perceptions that others have of him or her.

Question 16

Subordinates use impression management tactics on supervisors to a greater extent than supervisors use them on subordinates.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that subordinates are more likely to use impression management tactics on their supervisors, such as flattery or assertiveness, in order to gain favorable evaluations or influence their opinions. This may be due to power dynamics and a desire to please those who hold higher positions of authority. However, supervisors may still use impression management tactics on subordinates, such as displaying confidence or expertise, but to a lesser extent than subordinates use them on their supervisors.

Question 17

When an organization must make an important announcement to the public, they often use a high-status member to make the announcement since the audience is likely to perceive this person as credible.

Accepted Answer

This is a common strategy known as "the halo effect" where a person's perceived expertise or authority in one area can positively influence their perceived credibility in other areas. Using a high-status member to make an announcement can increase the audience's trust in the message being conveyed.

Question 18

The characteristics of a target of perception cannot influence perceptions held by others.

Accepted Answer

Just as characteristics of the perceiver influence perceptions, so, too, do the characteristics of the target and the situation.

Question 19

One of the consequences of being salient is stereotyping.

Accepted Answer

Salience refers to how readily something captures our attention or stands out in our environment. When certain characteristics or features are salient, our brains may automatically and unconsciously categorize or make assumptions about what we are perceiving. This can lead to stereotype formation, as we may generalize our perceptions of an individual or group based on their salient features.

Question 20

The salience of a target of perception does not affect how it is perceived.

Accepted Answer

Because of the subjective nature of the perception process, salience does affect how a target is perceived.

Quiz 4: Perception Attribution and the Management of Diversity