Perceptual filters: elimination, generalization and distortion

Communication is not a perfect process; instead, it is constantly mediated by the human brain's perceptual filters.

These psychological mechanisms process information selectively, which can lead to biased interpretations and ultimately to conflicts in the workplace.

To avoid misunderstandings and solve problems effectively, it is crucial to be aware of how these three filters operate: elimination, generalization and distortion.

Elimination

Elimination is the process by which the brain ignores information it deems unnecessary.

Although it normally helps us focus on what is relevant, under stress it can lead us to ignore inconvenient truths or information we would rather not hear.

For example, an employee, when receiving feedback on his or her performance, may pay attention to praise but "tune out" constructive criticism.

This incomplete perception of reality can make the employee feel unfairly treated, which could provoke or escalate a conflict.

Generalization

Generalization occurs when the brain takes a specific fact and turns it into a universal rule.

While this can be useful for making quick decisions in everyday life, it can also lead us to create erroneous assumptions about others.

For example, if a co-worker is late once, we might "generalize" and assume that he or she is always unpunctual, leading us to judge him or her unfairly in the future.

If we apply an incorrect rule to what we see or hear, this can trigger or escalate a conflict.

Distortion

Distortion is the most complex mechanism, by which the brain tries to find patterns and meanings in information, sometimes incorrectly.

A classic example is when we try to guess the hidden meaning of what another person says: "When he says that, what he really means is".

This assumption often distorts the original intent of the message, as we are applying our own rules of interpretation instead of understanding the other person's perspective.

Similarly, we may create cause-and-effect relationships where none exist, leading us to blame others for events that are actually random or have no direct connection.

To mitigate the impact of these filters, it is critical that we learn to recognize when our brains are eliminating, generalizing or distorting information.

By being aware of these biases, we can make a conscious effort to seek the truth beyond our initial interpretation, and thus avoid misunderstandings that could lead to conflict.

The key is not to take for granted that our perception is the only truth, and to strive to understand the reality of the other.

Summary

Our communication is mediated by perceptual filters that selectively process information, which can cause conflict. It is crucial to be aware of how elimination, generalization and distortion operate.

Elimination is when the brain ignores information that it considers unnecessary or inconvenient. This can lead to an incomplete perception of reality, causing a person to feel unfairly treated.

Generalization takes a specific fact and makes it a universal rule, creating erroneous assumptions. Distortion looks for incorrect patterns, such as guessing hidden intentions, which alters the original message.