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Development of upper visual field bias for faces in infants
Shuma Tsurumi1,2, So Kanazawa3, Masami K Yamaguchi1
1Department of Psychology, Chuo University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan.
Developmental Science
|March 27, 2022
Summary
Visual field asymmetry for face recognition develops between 6-7 months. Older infants show a bias for upper visual field faces, suggesting learned spatial processing from daily experience.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Spatial location influences face and body perception in daily life.
- Contextual effects suggest experience shapes visual processing.
- The origin of visual field asymmetry (innate vs. learned) is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental trajectory of visual field asymmetry in face processing.
- To determine if this asymmetry is innate or acquired through experience.
- To examine age-related differences in face processing biases.
Main Methods:
- Examined visual field asymmetry for face processing in infants.
- Compared face processing in younger (5-6 months) and older (7-8 months) infants.
- Assessed preferential processing and memorization of faces in upper vs. lower visual fields.
Main Results:
- A developmental shift in visual field asymmetry occurred between 6 and 7 months.
- Infants aged 7-8 months exhibited an upper visual field bias for faces, mirroring adults.
- Younger infants (5-6 months) did not show this visual field bias.
- Older infants preferentially memorized faces presented in the upper visual field.
Conclusions:
- Visual field asymmetry in face processing is acquired during development.
- This asymmetry likely arises from learning spatial locations through daily visual experience.
- Suggests a significant role for environmental input in shaping early visual processing biases.
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