Human behavior is always a product of how people see themselves and the situations in which they are involved. Although this fact seems obvious, the failure of people everywhere to comprehend it is responsible for much of human misunderstanding, maladjustment, conflict and loneliness. Our perceptions of ourselves and the world are so real to us that we seldom pause to doubt them.

Combs, Avila & Purkey, 1978. p. 15

Invitational education has its roots in the perceptual approach to understanding human behavior. Rather than viewing people as objects to be shaped, reinforced and conditioned, or as captives of unconscious urges or unfulfilled desires, the perceptual tradition views people as they typically see themselves, others and the world... He or she experiences, interprets, constructs, decides, acts, and is ultimately responsible for his or actions.

Purkey & Novak, 1992. p 19-20