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. Fields of science natural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsarithmeticsprime numbers Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX EU contribution € 231 283,20 Address SUSSEX HOUSE FALMER BN1 9RH Brighton United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Surrey, East and West Sussex Brighton and Hove Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Sarah Mcdonald (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data