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Working Memory Maintenance Modulates Serial Dependence Effects of Perceived Emotional Expression
Gaoxing Mei1, Shiyu Chen1, Bo Dong2
1School of Psychology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China.
Frontiers in Psychology
|July 30, 2019
Summary
Serial dependence stabilizes facial expression perception, pulling current perceptions toward recent stimuli. This effect is stronger with longer working memory retention but weaker with longer decision-response delays.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Facial expression perception is crucial for social interaction.
- Serial dependence explains stability in perceiving stable facial attributes like identity.
- The role of serial dependence in perceiving changeable facial attributes, like emotions, is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and nature of serial dependence in facial expression perception.
- To determine if serial dependence influences the perception of changeable facial attributes.
- To examine how working memory and delay durations modulate this effect.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the method of constant stimuli and two-interval forced choice tasks.
- Presented participants with a continuum of morphed facial expressions (sad to happy).
- Conducted three psychophysical experiments manipulating delay durations and working memory retention.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a significant serial dependence effect in facial expression perception.
- Perceived expressions were biased towards previously viewed expressions, irrespective of response instructions.
- Serial dependence was enhanced by longer working memory retention and reduced by longer decision-response delays.
Conclusions:
- Serial dependence contributes to the stability of facial expression perception.
- Working memory representations play a key role in modulating serial dependence.
- Findings clarify the mechanism underlying the stability of dynamic facial attribute perception.
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