In the Social Perception and Intergroup Relations lab, we use social cognitive theories and methods to investigate how the impressions people form of others contribute to and sustain inequality. Specifically, we examine how social categories (e.g., race, socioeconomic status, sex, gender) and individual features (e.g., facial appearance, emotional expression, body shape) lead to discriminatory and dehumanizing outcomes. We work hard to advance psychological theory while making a meaningful impact on social justice.
We address a wide range of questions with significant implications for real-world domains, particularly in legal and health contexts. For example, how do impressions influence beliefs about who is capable of experiencing physical, social, and psychological pain or distress? How are rightfully and wrongfully convicted individuals stigmatized? Who gets to claim membership in social justice movements? How do sexually diverse individuals navigate analog and digital dating landscapes? How do people perceive and respond to AI-generated faces and videos in an era of mass digital media and misinformation? And, many more!
Social Perception & Intergroup Relations Lab 