Chapter 3 Learning outcomes

After studying the material in this chapter, you should be able to

• describe the subjective nature of perceiving interpersonal messages and relationships;
• explain how access to information, physiological, psychological, social, and cultural factors influence interpersonal perception;
• summarize common tendencies in perception that can sometimes lead to misperceptions;
• use perception checking to clarify your understanding of another person’s point of view; and
• describe the value of empathy in interpersonal communication and relationships.