Perception Checks in Combat

[SWAT]

The Perception skill description says an active Perception check is a standard action, while the text on targetting what you can't see (p. 281) states that it's a minor action. Am I missing something, or are these indeed contradictory statements? Thanks.

 

[cdrcjsn]

Either the minor action Perception check to determine invisible foes is an exception to the general rule, or you have come upon something that needs to go in the errata.

Personally, I think it's an exception to the rules, used in locating an invisible creature in combat that you're aware is present.

 

[Surgoshan]

An active perception check in general is a standard action; you're looking all over the place to see what you can see.

An active perception check to locate an invisible foe is different; you're trying to find someone you know is there, but you don't know exactly where. Instead of exploring your whole environment, you're focusing on where you believe the enemy to be and making a perception check against his stealth check. Because you're focused on a smaller area, it's a minor action instead of a standard action.