Identity adaptation is mediated and moderated by visualisation ability

Depending on the previous research one reads, face aftereffects may or may not partially transfer across viewpoints. Two experiments are reported that explore this face-identity aftereffect by varying the adaptor type. Adaptation occurs when different views of the identity are used and even when the person's name is the adaptor. Brief exposure or nationality did not produce adaptation. In a third experiment, the role of visualisation was explored. Participants with higher visualisation scores showed greater adaptation to names than those with lower scores. These findings suggest non-facial identity cues can lead to a facial adaptation effect and that visualisation may be the mechanism behind this.