What factors influence our perceptions? Provide examples of how three of these factors could yield different perceptions

What will be an ideal response?

Several factors that influence our perceptions include our age, sex, gender, genetic makeup, experience, culture, historical events, and social roles and identities.

An example of how age makes a difference is that teenagers are able to hear high pitched buzzing sounds that adults are unable to hear (e.g., mosquito ringtones). Because of this, shopkeepers installed devices that emitted a high-pitched frequency to disperse teenagers from public spaces where they congregated without negatively influencing adults working in or soliciting the shop.

An example of how biological sex makes a difference is that women have a keener sense of smell than men, particularly women of reproductive age. This sense of smell might allow women to notice and be attracted to compatible mates.

Culture also influences perception. In the United States elderly people are not seen as important or high status because youth is valued. However, in Japan, age is highly respected and a sign of wisdom—there is even a "respect for the aged" holiday.