So, mI < ognition, Vol 4, N. 2, 1986, pp IKu 200 ON THE BASICITY OF SOCIAL PERCEPTION CUES: DEVELOPMENTAL EVIDENCE FOR ADULT PROCESSES? SAUl M. KASSIN Williams ( ollege RFLIBFN M. BARON ( 7m rrsit\ ol ( onnn tic ul A distinction was drawn hetween hasic determinants ot sex lal perception, defined as stimulus sufficient cues that activate automatic perceptual processes, and non- hasic determinants, defined as cues for which the apprehension of meaning requires inferential activity and the use of extraneous information. Two developmental theses are advanced. The first is that, as a general rule, the age at which an attributional rule develops, because it indicates the basicity of a stimulus, informs us of the process through which it is employed by adults. The second is that this assumption can prove misleading because adults often process nonbasic cues automatically, and basic cues effortfully. Finally, a rough model of attribution processing is offered in which the development of an interpersonal relationship is likened to the development of an individual. In a recent paper, we introduced a distinction between "basic" and "nonbasic" determinants of attribution and social perception (Kassin & Baron, 1985). Basic determinants of social perception were defined as "those that appear to activate automatic, perceptual processes rather than those that are more controlled and inferential" (p. 42). (For more extensive recent articulations of this automatic vs. effortful distinction, see Bargh, 1984; Hasher & Zacks, 1979; Schneider & Shiffrin, 1977; Shiffnn & Schneider, 1977.) It is important to note, however, that the basicity of a stimulus is not necessarily equated with the automaticitv of process. This classification scheme of determinants should thus be anchored within a set of independently defined stimulus dimensions. Requests lor reprints should be sent to Saul M kassin. Department ot Psychology, Bronfman Science Center, Williams College, Williamstown, MA 01267. 180