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Selectivity of face distortion aftereffects for differences in expression or gender
Megan A Tillman1, Michael A Webster
1Department of Psychology, University of Nevada Reno, NV, USA.
Frontiers in Psychology
|February 10, 2012
Summary
Face perception aftereffects show weak selectivity, with minimal differences observed whether faces change expression or gender. This suggests both variant and invariant facial attributes weakly modulate distortion aftereffects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Facial configuration perception is susceptible to adaptation aftereffects.
- These aftereffects are typically weaker when adaptation and test stimuli differ across dimensions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether face identity influences the transfer of adaptation aftereffects.
- To compare the selectivity of aftereffects based on changes in expression versus gender.
Main Methods:
- Participants adapted to distorted (expanded/contracted) faces varying in expression and/or gender.
- Aftereffects were measured by judging perceived configuration of same or different faces.
- Adaptation involved single-face or alternated-face exposure, with distortion contingent on attributes.
Main Results:
- Aftereffects demonstrated strong transfer and weak selectivity across all conditions.
- Selectivity was comparable or stronger for expression changes than for gender changes.
- Adaptation aftereffects were weakly modulated by both variant (expression) and invariant (gender) facial attributes.
Conclusions:
- Facial distortion aftereffects exhibit limited selectivity, showing significant transfer regardless of identity.
- Both expression and gender contribute to modulating these aftereffects, with expression playing a slightly stronger role.
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