Stereotype-based modulation of person perception

► Task: Participants viewed gender-stereotype consistent and inconsistent targets while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. ► Incongruent targets increased activity in person perception network. ► Increase was modulated by perceivers' processing goals. ► Expectancy violations also enhanced effective connectivity of perceptual areas with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. ► Conclusion: Stereotypic beliefs shape the formation of person percepts in the brain.