This document discusses the difference between perception and reality, and how perceptions can impact groups. It specifically focuses on the dilemmas faced by Resident Assistants (RAs), where perception does not always align with reality. Negative perceptions of RAs can undermine their effectiveness and integrity. The document suggests overcoming negative perceptions through private conversations to explain reality or change inappropriate actions.

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Perception versus Reality
Brianne McDonough
Amanda Wood
George Reagan

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But really, what is reality?
 Reality is the state of things as they actually exist, rather than
as they may appear or may be thought to be

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Oh really then, what is perception?
 Perception is the process of attaining awareness or
understanding of sensory information

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Why does this matter to us?
 People easily accept their perceptions as being truthful or real
regardless of their accuracy
 It is easy to accept what you perceive as being true rather than seek
another conclusion
 Factors that influence perception include: observations (sighted or
hearing), experience, culture, society, personal bias

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What type of impact do perceptions have
on a group?
 Perceptions can be both positive and negative
 We can all be excellent RAs but if the community
perceives that we „don‟t care‟ about our jobs or don‟t do
them well we will lose respect
 The loss of respect will conflict with the ability to do our
jobs well

6. +What are some dilemmas that we face
as RAs?
 Fishbowl
 Higher Standards
 “Always an RA”
 No distinction between personal and paraprofessional
life
 Off-campus behavior

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Impact of negative perceptions…
 Loss of respect among peers, residents and community members
 Negative role-modeling
 Contradicts community expectations
 Compromise health and safety of others
 Creates a challenge for the department to operate fairly and effectively
 Compromises RAs effectiveness when confronting situations
 Compromises integrity of self, RA role, Department of Residential Life
and Education and Saint Anselm College

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What types of conflicts arise?
 Behavior in the classroom
 Confronting peers and RAs about policy violations
 Maintaining leadership role and expectations
 Sharing frustrations surrounding the job
 Talking about other people, RAs etc.
 Failure to uphold policies
 Failure to maintain confidentiality

9. +How do you overcome & resolve false
perceptions?
 What could have been done differently in the situation?
 Should a conversation have happened in private rather
than in public?

10. +
How to change negative
perceptions?
 Private conversations
 Explain the reality of what took place and or take ownership of
inappropriate actions
 Change your actions- don‟t make yourself vulnerable to negative
perceptions