Harmonic Analysis of Social Cognition
Anne Maass, Michele Pavon, Caterina Suitner

TL;DR
This paper proposes a novel approach to social cognition by applying harmonic analysis from signal processing, interpreting social stimuli as a combination of frequencies representing different social features.
Contribution
It introduces a new framework linking social cognition concepts with signal processing tools, providing a foundation for future interdisciplinary research.
Findings
Social stimuli modeled as weighted harmonic sums
Filters emphasize different frequency ranges based on social factors
Established social cognition results are interpretable through signal processing
Abstract
In this paper, we argue that some fundamental concepts and tools of signal processing may be effectively applied to represent and interpret social cognition processes. From this viewpoint, individuals or, more generally, social stimuli are thought of as a weighted sum of harmonics with different frequencies: Low frequencies represent general categories such as gender, ethnic group, nationality, etc., whereas high frequencies account for personal characteristics. Individuals are then seen by observers as the output of a filter that emphasizes a certain range of high or low frequencies. The selection of the filter depends on the social distance between the observing individual or group and the person being observed as well as on motivation, cognitive resources and cultural background. Enhancing low- or high-frequency harmonics is not on equal footing, the latter requiring supplementary…
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Taxonomy
TopicsCultural Differences and Values · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Child and Animal Learning Development
