How does social categorization and stereotyping affect emotion perception in faces?

Recognizing facial expressions of emotion plays a central role in navigating our social interactions. It allows us to infer the internal states of others and assess their positive or negative intentions.

However, research in social cognitive psychology shows that social categorizations and associated stereotypes and prejudice can fundamentally influence our perception of emotions and the impressions we form. Although initial research findings of this nature have had a significant impact on social psychology research and beyond, there has been little additional systematic and process-oriented research on the influence of stereotypes and prejudice on emotion perception.

The current project aims to fill these gaps by combining the theoretical and methodological expertise of the participating partners, bringing together social cognitive and neuroscientific perspectives. This will provide an interdisciplinary basis for successful future collaboration, which is rarely found in the current research landscape.