Perceptions Based on Partial Knowledge

One of my favorite exercises in the AVP program has always been this one. So often we tend to judge people based on limited knowledge about their background.  Sometimes these judgments can be mistaken to the point of being hilarious.  However, when additional facts become available, such judgments can be easily revised.

Here are a couple examples of what I mean.  If you were given a trustworthiness graph using a scale of ten (for most trustworthy) to one (least trustworthy), how would you rate these persons?  Do you have any idea of who they might be?  You will have to total and average each set; then add and average both the sets for each person.

Person # 1

___Was an influential teacher                ___Scandalized community by his          

                                                                friendship with a hooker

___Had a good trade                              ___Physically demolished a business he

                                                                 disapproved of

___Traveled extensively                        ___ Loved children

___Had communist leanings                  ___ Was not afraid to fight the

                                                                 establishment

Person #2

___Appeared with Jesse Jackson in 1989    ___Arrested and jailed in 2002

___Suffered from severe depression            ___Has not always had a regular job

___Has worked with AIDS patients             ___Hung out with drug dealers and 

                                                                     prostitutes

___Gives great parties                               ___Claims to love children and  

                                                                     animals

So…who are these people and how do you rate them?  You can send your answer by posting a comment or you can find out in next week’s blog.