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Does artificiality matter? Comparing working memory performance for artificial and real faces
Devrim Kalkan1, Hilal Kotan2, Hakan Karlı3
1Department of Psychology, Bartın University, Bartın, Türkiye. devrimkalkann@gmail.com.
Psychological Research
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Working memory performance is less efficient with artificial faces compared to real faces, especially under higher cognitive load. Emotional valence did not significantly impact performance.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Artificial faces are common in cognitive research but less accurately recognized than real faces in long-term memory.
- Previous research has not directly compared working memory performance between human and artificial faces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of artificial faces on working memory performance.
- To investigate the influence of emotional valence and cognitive load on working memory when using artificial versus real faces.
Main Methods:
- Forty-five adults performed an n-back task using both human and artificial faces.
- Working memory load was manipulated (1-back, 2-back) and emotional valence varied (neutral, happy, angry).
- Sensitivity (d') and reaction times were measured.
Main Results:
- Lower sensitivity and longer reaction times were observed for artificial faces compared to real faces.
- Working memory performance declined with increased cognitive load.
- Emotional valence did not have a significant effect on performance.
Conclusions:
- Artificial faces are processed less efficiently in working memory, similar to long-term memory.
- Findings align with the face-space model and suggest implications for research using artificial stimuli.
