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Social cognition: thinking categorically about others.
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, United Kingdom. c.n.macrae@bristol.ac.uk
Annual Review of Psychology
|February 7, 2001
Summary
Social categorization simplifies how we understand others. This research explores when social categories are activated, their effects, and how we control categorical thinking in person perception.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Person perception relies on categorical representations for simplification.
- Understanding social categorization is crucial for everyday social interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine the cognitive dynamics of categorical social perception.
- Investigate the triggers, consequences, and control of social category activation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on categorical social perception.
- Analysis of integrative models of cognitive functioning.
Main Results:
- Social categories are activated under specific conditions.
- Category activation has predictable consequences on perception.
- Perceivers can exert some control over categorical thinking.
Conclusions:
- Categorical social perception is a dynamic cognitive process.
- Integrative cognitive models enhance understanding of social categorization.