Interpretation occurs when an individual gives meaning to observations and their relationships; it is the process
of making sense out of perceptions. Interpretation organizes our experience to guide our behavior. Based on our
experience, we make assumptions about our perceptions so we will not have to rediscover meanings each time
we encounter similar situations. For example, we make assumptions about how doors work, based on our
experience of entering and leaving rooms; thus we do not have to relearn each time we have to open a door.
Similarly, when we smell smoke, we generally assume there is a fire. We do not have to stop and wonder if the
smoke indicates a fire or a flood. Our consistent patterns of interpretation help us to act appropriately and
quickly within our day-to-day world.