What is the first step in the perception process?

The first step in the perception process is selection. This step involves noticing and focusing on specific stimuli from the environment while filtering out others. Perception begins with what we choose to pay attention to—this could be a person speaking, an object in our surroundings, or even a specific thought. Selection is critical because it dictates what information we find salient and worthy of further processing, shaping our understanding of our environment and experiences.

Once selection occurs, the subsequent steps—organization, interpretation, and analysis—follow, where we categorize, assign meaning, and evaluate the information we have selected. Understanding selection as the foundational step is essential in communication, as it underlies how we perceive, respond to, and engage with the information and people around us.