Effect of facial familiarity and task requirement on electrodermal activity

We examined the effect of facial familiarity and task requirement on electrodermal activity (EDA). Proposed models of facial recognition suggest a sequential process wherein a recognition of familiarity precedes any identity-specific search. Prior research has indicated that an automatic increase in EDA occurs to familiar faces. We reexamined this effect while manipulating the task requirement. One group of subjects was required to identify (name) faces, and a control group was required to rate facial attractiveness. The results indicated that an increase in EDA to familiar faces occurred only when coupled with the identification task. No increase in EDA occurred when subjects were rating facial attractiveness and presented with a familiar face.