Running head: COMMUNICATION, PERCEPTION AND IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT 1

Communication, Perception and Identity Development

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Question One

Perception can be perceived as how our sensory information is organized and consciously

interpreted, and this can be from a bottom-up or top-down processing approach (Leary &

Tangney, 2011). Perception is henceforth a psychological process that builds on sensation to help

develop perceived stimuli that determine how we react to situations, and for what period.

Question Two

Social comparisons and reflected appraisals influence an individual’s self-esteem and, thus, the

self-concept. According to Leary and Tangney (2011), social comparisons created a mindset that

establishes our self-conceptualization based on what people perceive us to be, and this positive

or negatively influence our identities. Regarding reflected appraisal, human identity is shaped by

how we understand society’s perceptions about us based on social interactions. 

Question Three

Every human has primary and secondary identities where primary identities define the self in

terms of self-worth that determines who we are (Leary & Tangney, 2011). On the other hand, our

secondary identities also establish self-worth, but with a less degree of fulfillment in our lives.

Secondary identifies are not the ultimate form of identities as there is no justification to engage

in things that pass away (Leary & Tangney, 2011). Henceforth, our primary identities are what

make use worthy of our lives, and this guarantees the fulfillment of our identities going forward.

Question Four

There are several functions of prejudice, and the first is utilitarian, where individuals aim to

receive an award or seeks to avoid punishment when he/she displays prejudicial tendencies

(Brislin, 2000). In this case, the prejudice is geared towards another individual by making

prejudicial remarks towards another individual. The second function, according to Brislin (2000),
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involves ego-defensive where individuals aim to protect the self, and thus his/her self-esteem, by

discriminating against those who make them feel less worthy. 

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References

Brislin, R. W., & Yoshida, T. (2000). Intercultural communication training: An

introduction (Vol. 4). Sage.

Leary, M. R., & Tangney, J. P. (Eds.). (2011). Handbook of self and identity. Guilford Press.
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