Objective
It is well known that racial stereotypes can influence the way people evaluate and treat people from other racial groups. Recent findings suggest that social knowledge can also directly influence very basic perceptual processes. These findings are in line with computational models that see the brain as a ‘prediction machine’: based on knowledge about the world, the brain attempts to match incoming perceptual information to top-down predictions and expectations. Here, I explore whether stereotype-based social predictions directly alter basic visual perception, and how the brain supports this integration of high-level social predictions with low-level perceptual processes. I propose a series of experiments that use binocular rivalry (in which different pictures are presented to the left and the right eye, which results in only one picture entering consciousness) to test whether stereotype-evoking primes (such as a middle eastern face) can alter how and when socially relevant objects (such as weapons) enter awareness. To explore how the brain supports the dynamic integration of stereotypes with ongoing perceptual processes, I will measure the electrical activity of the brain (the electro-encephalogram or EEG). To chart integration of top-down and bottom-up information across brain wide networks, I will study synchronization over EEG frequency bands associated with these two streams of information. I will employ a novel method of analysing neural data, Granger causality, to test whether oscillatory activation evoked by social primes has a direct causal relation with oscillatory activation related to altered visual awareness. Together, these experiments will elucidate whether basic perception is indeed shaped by social knowledge embedded in stereotypes, and how the brain supports the dynamic integration of existing social knowledge with incoming perceptual information.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
BN1 9RH BRIGHTON
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.