„‚ CONDITIONS THAT HINDER EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

INTERPRETATION OF “MR. RAT”
It is now easier to understand what may take place in the differing observations of
Figure 1. As “Mr. Rat” is drawn ambiguously, the perceiver is forced to rely on certain
cues in order to establish a meaning for the drawing. If the observer has a set to perceive
a person (that is, in the past he or she has seen similar drawings of a person), then the
cues that the he or she sees give rise to the perception of a person. Similarly, past
experiences with similar drawings of rats give rise to the perception of a rat. Thus, two
observers with two different “sets” perceive two different drawings, even though the
image projected on the retinas of both observers is identical. The difference lies in the
organization of the signals coming from the eye into a pattern that is matched in one
case with the stored pattern of a person and in the other case with the stored pattern of a
rat. It is very unlikely that the differences in perception here are due to differences in
motivation or emotions.
HOW FACTS CAN BE ESTABLISHED
The study of perception shows us that there may be difficulties in agreeing on facts due
to differences in perception. However, people all over the world are able to
communicate with one another and to agree on facts, despite cultural differences.
Following are some suggestions that can be helpful in communicating:
1. Specify in detail the conditions of observation.
2. Describe the observed phenomenon and the boundaries of what is to be
observed.
3. Be on guard for optical illusions and other sources of perceptual distortions—use
instruments and, if possible, several senses—and check for congruency.
4. Repeat observations several times under the same specified conditions.
5. Get confirmations from independent observers—make these observations public.
In practice, these suggestions mean taking careful and cautious observations of a
situation and making adjustments and corrections by “reality testing.” Here, also,
communication and listening skills are indispensable. Such skills can lead two differing
groups of observers—as in the case of “Mr. Rat,” for example—to realize that both sides
can be right and, through accurate descriptions, to see what others see.
FINAL COMMENT
It should be emphasized that what is described in this article relates to “object
perception” or to perception of physical events. However, it is important to be aware
that conflicts between and among people include not only disagreements over
substantive matters, but also antagonisms and personal and emotional differences that
are typical for interdependent individuals (Walton, 1969). Furthermore, it must be
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