Thin Slicing Definition
I agree that people make snap decisions of others based on very little data. Growing up, most of us are taught to not make sudden assumption about others, nevertheless, we still do it. I agree that thin-slicing is a viable topic, which “refers the ability of our unconscious to find patterns in situations and behavior based on very narrow slices of experience” (Gladwell). I believe that everyone has the ability to find patterns in situations and behaviors, however, not everyone is capable of making feasible connections.
Moreover, in this specific study the individuals who are analyzing the couple know how to interpret verbal and nonverbal behaviors. They have the knowledge to take an action or remark that one of the participants made and create
a valid assumption. Though, not everyone can successfully interpret interactions with others. Furthermore, the researchers in this study had the time to film their participants, look back at the tape, and interpret what actually took place. They had the time, ability, and knowledge to properly analyze the couple’s discussion. Not everyone can record and revisit a discussion in order to properly analyze what took place so that they can come to a realistic assumption about who someone else is. Most people have to figure out who a person is within their short interaction, which is not a definite way to know someone, especially if it someone they are meeting for the first time.
All in all, I agree that thin-slicing is a viable topic, yet not everyone is trained or has the time to make valid assumptions. People who have the knowledge to interpret others can make true assumptions through thin-slicing, however, I do not believe that everyone has the ability to successfully thin-slice others. In a result, their assumptions of others may not be true to who they actually are. Still, everyone has the ability to correctly thin-slice others thoughts, emotions, and verbal usages if they learn how to interpret verbal and nonverbal communication. Once acquiring these skills the chances of properly thin-slicing someone dramatically increase.
Moreover, in this specific study the individuals who are analyzing the couple know how to interpret verbal and nonverbal behaviors. They have the knowledge to take an action or remark that one of the participants made and create
a valid assumption. Though, not everyone can successfully interpret interactions with others. Furthermore, the researchers in this study had the time to film their participants, look back at the tape, and interpret what actually took place. They had the time, ability, and knowledge to properly analyze the couple’s discussion. Not everyone can record and revisit a discussion in order to properly analyze what took place so that they can come to a realistic assumption about who someone else is. Most people have to figure out who a person is within their short interaction, which is not a definite way to know someone, especially if it someone they are meeting for the first time.
All in all, I agree that thin-slicing is a viable topic, yet not everyone is trained or has the time to make valid assumptions. People who have the knowledge to interpret others can make true assumptions through thin-slicing, however, I do not believe that everyone has the ability to successfully thin-slice others. In a result, their assumptions of others may not be true to who they actually are. Still, everyone has the ability to correctly thin-slice others thoughts, emotions, and verbal usages if they learn how to interpret verbal and nonverbal communication. Once acquiring these skills the chances of properly thin-slicing someone dramatically increase.