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Motion-from-structure in face perception: expectations of natural face motion depend on face shape
Raphael Tordjman1, Emily Renae Martin1, Fabian Aurelio Soto1
1Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Facial shape influences our expectations of how faces move during expressions. However, the specific features used for recognizing facial identity remain consistent, regardless of motion familiarity.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Human Face Processing
Background:
- Facial identity relies on anatomical features that also guide facial movements.
- This overlap suggests potential links between facial shape and motion perception.
- However, independent processing pathways for shape and motion are also theorized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if facial structure shapes expectations of natural facial movement.
- To determine if facial motion influences the shape features used in identity recognition.
- To test the independent pathways framework in face perception.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reverse correlation technique with synthetic dynamic faces.
- Manipulated facial shape and motion independently.
- Assessed participants' expectations of facial expression speed and identified shape features for recognition.
Main Results:
- Facial shape significantly influenced expectations of natural facial movement.
- Shape features critical for face recognition remained stable across different motion contexts.
- Evidence supports a motion-from-structure processing mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Facial shape and motion perception are intertwined, with shape influencing motion expectations.
- Identity recognition mechanisms are robust to variations in motion familiarity.
- Findings support a model where visual system infers motion from structure within independent processing streams.
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