Which of the following best defines a 'First impression' in perception?

The best definition of a 'first impression' in perception is that it is the initial perception that greatly influences future judgments. First impressions occur when we encounter someone for the first time or are introduced to a new idea or situation. These initial perceptions are often shaped by factors such as appearance, body language, and verbal cues, and they tend to create a lasting impact on how we view that person or situation going forward.

Because first impressions form rapidly and can be difficult to change, they serve as a cognitive anchor, guiding our subsequent evaluations and interpretations. This phenomenon is critical in areas such as hiring decisions, social interactions, and interpersonal relationships, where the early impression can lead to biases that affect future interactions and assessments.

In contrast, other options do not capture the essence of a first impression. For instance, the measure of recent memory in decision-making refers to cognitive processes related to memory rather than the immediate impact of a first encounter. Judging one’s success against others pertains more to comparative evaluations and does not address the role of initial perceptions. Lastly, categorizing behaviors based on shared outcomes reflects a different cognitive process that involves making generalizations rather than focusing on the immediate impact of first impressions.