Which of the following is the best example of using direct perception checking in a social interaction?

• A. Asking a friend, 'You seem upset. Is everything okay?' after noticing they are unusually quiet.
• B. Assuming your coworker is angry because they did not greet you in the morning.
• C. Ignoring a friend's silence and continuing the conversation as usual.
• D. Telling another friend that someone must be upset without confirming it with them.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of direct perception checking: it involves observing someone's behavior and then directly asking them for clarification to avoid misunderstandings.
2. Identify the key elements of direct perception checking in the options: noticing a behavior and asking a question to confirm the perception.
3. Evaluate each option to see if it includes both observation and a direct question to the person involved.
4. Recognize that the best example is the one where the observer notices a change (friend being unusually quiet) and asks a direct, non-judgmental question ('You seem upset. Is everything okay?').
5. Conclude that this approach helps clarify the situation and prevents assumptions, which is the essence of direct perception checking.