Selective Perception?

Question

Okay, so roughly about two or three weeks about I received my school schedule. I have both full-year courses and half-year courses. As I'm looking at it, I notice that there only my first half-year courses are listed. At first, I just figured that I looked at it wrong to I re-read it. Then I started to think my guidance counselor is a complete dumb*ss and doesn't like me so she messed up my schedule. I read it over at least fifteen times over a couple of days, counted boxes and everything and I only saw some of my classes. I put it away and figured I would go talk to my guidance counselor at school.

So the weird part happened just a few days ago when on the spur-of-the-moment when I decided to look at my schedule. Next thing I know I see all the classes I'm supposed to be taking. I counted boxes and there were more than I counted the first time. It was really annoying.

I know it's not that big of a deal and that it's not just me that this happens to (there's a Wikipedia article about it after all) but I was wondering if anyone else has any suggestions how to see everything and not just selected bits. I mean this is something stupid, but I do this often (missing questions on tests, skipping reading passages, c**p like that) and I don't realize I'm doing it.

Answer 1

It's normal to miss things when you're skimming. But it's definitely not normal to keep not seeing something when you're rereading something 15 times, scrutinizing it, and counting it like you say you were. Tell your doctor. I'm serious. You might need a neurological exam. You might have a visual problem, or some other kind of issue going on.  

Answer 2

I do that too, its either that or I skip some important fact out.  This gets me into heaps of trouble at work, or when I go to pay bills and when Im trying to sort through the details of something.

Answer 3

Better stop smoking doobies with your cat...