On last day of school, kindergarteners bring parting gifts to their teacher. She

Question

On last day of school, kindergarteners bring parting gifts to their teacher. She takes the first package from a florist’s son, shakes it, and announces, “I know what this is…it’s some flowers.” “You’re right,” shouted the kid. When the candy store owner’s daughter presents her gift, teacher once again examines carefully, shakes the package, and declares, “I know, some candy!” “How did you guess?” says the little girl. Finally, the little boy whose father runs a liquor store brought his package forward. Although she noticed it was leaking, teacher held it up, shook it, and even took a taste: “It’s wine,” she announced. “You’re wrong,” replied the student. Putting another drop on her tongue, she smiled and said, “It must be champagne.” “Wrong again,” said the little boy. After tasting still a third time, teacher gave up and said, “Tell me, what is this wonderful gift!?” Grinning, the little boy answered, “It’s a puppy!” Explain how perceptual sets played a role in the teacher’s error.

Explanation / Answer

Perceptual set is a tendency to perceive or notice some aspects of the available sensory data and ignore others. In this case, the teacher expected her students to bring her gifts that matched their parents’ professions. Her expectation was affirmed in the first two cases and she was convinced that this would be the case with the third student as well. She therefore confused the puppy’s saliva or urine to be alcohol, expecting that the son of an alcohol shop owner would gift her alcohol only.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse O
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.