Title: Exploring Learning, Social Judgments, Cognitive Errors, and Gender Norms
Learning Through Experience
One instance where I learned new information through observational learning was when I observed a colleague effectively resolve conflicts in the workplace. By observing their calm demeanor, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving approach, I learned how to handle similar situations more effectively. This experience taught me the value of positive communication and empathy in conflict resolution.
Snap Judgments and Expectations
I recall a time when I made a snap judgment about a new coworker based on their attire and initial interactions. My preconceived expectations about professionalism influenced my judgment of this person, leading me to initially perceive them as disorganized and unprofessional. Upon further interactions and getting to know the individual, I realized that my judgment was unfair and based on superficial factors. This experience highlighted how our expectations can cloud our perceptions of others and influence our initial judgments.
Cognitive Errors in Social Cognition
An example of committing the cognitive error of confirmation bias occurred when evaluating a new project proposal. Due to the deadline pressure and the prominence of certain ideas in the presentation, I focused on information that confirmed my initial thoughts about the project’s feasibility. This bias led me to overlook potential flaws and alternative perspectives, ultimately impacting the decision-making process. The outcome of relying on this shortcut was a less comprehensive evaluation of the project’s potential risks and benefits.
Learning and Practicing Gender Norms
Reflecting on a time when I learned or practiced “doing gender,” I recall a situation where I unconsciously adhered to traditional gender norms during a group project. Despite being aware of the importance of equality and diversity, I found myself assigning tasks based on stereotypical gender roles without considering individual strengths and preferences. This experience made me realize how deeply ingrained societal gender expectations can influence our behaviors, even when we strive to challenge them.
By reflecting on these personal experiences related to learning, social judgments, cognitive errors, and gender norms, it becomes evident how our perceptions, biases, and societal norms shape our interactions and decision-making processes. Acknowledging these influences allows for greater self-awareness and the opportunity to challenge ingrained assumptions to foster more inclusive and unbiased perspectives.
