We generally believe we see our surroundings and everything in them with complete accuracy. However, as the contributions to the following story argue, this assumption is wrong. Susan’s view of the store clerk is cloudy at best.

This paper seeks to first define what is meant by the term social perception, then examines two main aspects of social perception: non-verbal communication channels and attribution.

Specifically, attention is given to addressing what non-verbal communication channels are and the substantial impacts they can have on our thoughts, feelings, and ultimately the inferences we make about other people. Attribution is then defined and discussed, as well as, attribution biases are explained and their influences in leading us to make incorrect conclusions about others we observe in particular situations that may or may not accurately reflect who they truly are as a person. Social Perception is the way in which we seek to define the many characteristics and behaviors of ourselves and others (Social perception, 2013). It is how we process available information and form impressions of those we encounter and interact with. It is our perceptions of what we believe others are all about and it helps us to categorize and organize our interpretations of others through our interactions and experiences with them. Simply put, social perception is the cognitive process that helps us form impressions of those around us.

Non-verbal communication is the term used to define communication that takes place between our self and others without the use of words (Taylor, Peplau, & Sears, 2006). Examples include the tone of someone's voice, their facial expression, eye contact, one's posture, touch, and other body language. Although no words are used, non-verbal communication can give off a powerful influence on the impressions we form about others. In