In attempting to make sense of other people, perceivers regularly construct
and use categorical representations to simplify and streamline the person
perception process. Noting the importance of categorical thinking in everyd
ay life, our emphasis in this chapter is on the cognitive dynamics of categ
orical social perception. In reviewing current research on this topic, thre
e specific issues are addressed: (a) When are social categories activated b
y perceivers, (b) what are the typical consequences of category activation,
and (c) can perceivers control the influence and expression of categorical
thinking? Throughout the chapter, we consider how integrative models of co
gnitive functioning may inform our understanding of categorical social perc
eption.