Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Holistic Facial Composite Creation and Subsequent Video Line-up Eyewitness Identification Paradigm
Published on: December 24, 2015
Holistic face processing in newborns, 3-month-old infants, and adults: evidence from the composite face effect
Chiara Turati1, Elisa Di Giorgio, Lara Bardi
1Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy. chiara.turati@unimib.it
Abstract:
Holistic face processing was investigated in newborns, 3-month-old infants, and adults through a modified version of the composite face paradigm and the recording of eye movements. After familiarization to the top portion of a face, participants (N = 70) were shown 2 aligned or misaligned faces, 1 of which comprised the familiar top part. In the aligned condition, no visual preference was found at any group age. In the misaligned condition, 3-month-olds preferred the face stimulus with the familiar top part, adults preferred the face stimulus with the novel one, and newborns did not manifest any visual preference. Results revealed that both infants' and adults' eye movements may be affected by holistic face information and demonstrated holistic face processing in 3-month-olds.
Related Concept Videos
Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Prosopagnosia
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...

