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Perception and recognition of faces in adolescence
D Fuhrmann1, L J Knoll1, A L Sakhardande1
1Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Scientific Reports
|September 21, 2016
Summary
Face cognition abilities, including face memory and perception, mature later than previously thought, around age 16. Females show an advantage in face memory during adolescence and adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Most research on face cognition development focuses on childhood, with debated maturation timelines.
- Early maturation theories suggest abilities are developed by 3-5 years, while late maturation theories propose development extends to 10 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the maturation timeline of face memory and face perception in adolescents and adults.
- To examine sex differences in face cognition abilities during development.
Main Methods:
- Assessed face memory and face perception in 661 participants across four age groups (adolescents and adults).
- Controlled for general cognitive ability to isolate face cognition development.
- Analyzed data for age-related changes and sex differences.
Main Results:
- Both face memory and face perception abilities mature late, around 16 years of age.
- Females demonstrated a significant advantage in face memory, but not face perception, across development.
- Identity perception showed protracted development, while gaze perception matured earlier in adolescence.
Conclusions:
- Face cognition abilities undergo significant development throughout adolescence, maturing around age 16.
- The findings support late maturation accounts of face cognition.
- Increased exposure to novel faces during adolescence may contribute to these developmental improvements.
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