An in-depth cognitive examination of individuals with superior face recognition skills

Authors: Bobak, A.K., Bennetts, R.J., Parris, B.A., Jansari, A. and Bate, S.

Journal: Cortex

Volume: 82

Pages: 48-62

eISSN: 1973-8102

ISSN: 0010-9452

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2016.05.003

Abstract:

Previous work has reported the existence of “super-recognisers” (SRs), or individuals with extraordinary face recognition skills. However, the precise underpinnings of this ability have not yet been investigated. In this paper we examine (a) the face-specificity of super recognition, (b) perception of facial identity in SRs, (c) whether SRs present with enhancements in holistic processing and (d) the consistency of these findings across different SRs. A detailed neuropsychological investigation into six SRs indicated domain-specificity in three participants, with some evidence of enhanced generalised visuo-cognitive or socio-emotional processes in the remaining individuals. While superior face-processing skills were restricted to face memory in three of the SRs, enhancements to facial identity perception were observed in the others. Notably, five of the six participants showed at least some evidence of enhanced holistic processing. These findings indicate cognitive heterogeneity in the presentation of superior face recognition, and have implications for our theoretical understanding of the typical face-processing system and the identification of superior face-processing skills in applied settings.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/24436/

Source: Scopus

An in-depth cognitive examination of individuals with superior face recognition skills.

Authors: Bobak, A.K., Bennetts, R.J., Parris, B.A., Jansari, A. and Bate, S.

Journal: Cortex

Volume: 82

Pages: 48-62

eISSN: 1973-8102

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2016.05.003

Abstract:

Previous work has reported the existence of "super-recognisers" (SRs), or individuals with extraordinary face recognition skills. However, the precise underpinnings of this ability have not yet been investigated. In this paper we examine (a) the face-specificity of super recognition, (b) perception of facial identity in SRs, (c) whether SRs present with enhancements in holistic processing and (d) the consistency of these findings across different SRs. A detailed neuropsychological investigation into six SRs indicated domain-specificity in three participants, with some evidence of enhanced generalised visuo-cognitive or socio-emotional processes in the remaining individuals. While superior face-processing skills were restricted to face memory in three of the SRs, enhancements to facial identity perception were observed in the others. Notably, five of the six participants showed at least some evidence of enhanced holistic processing. These findings indicate cognitive heterogeneity in the presentation of superior face recognition, and have implications for our theoretical understanding of the typical face-processing system and the identification of superior face-processing skills in applied settings.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/24436/

Source: PubMed

An in-depth cognitive examination of individuals with superior face recognition skills

Authors: Bobak, A.K., Bennetts, R.J., Parris, B.A., Jansari, A. and Bate, S.

Journal: CORTEX

Volume: 82

Pages: 48-62

eISSN: 1973-8102

ISSN: 0010-9452

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2016.05.003

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/24436/

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

An in-depth cognitive examination of individuals with superior face recognition skills.

Authors: Bobak, A.K., Bennetts, R.J., Parris, B.A., Jansari, A. and Bate, S.

Journal: Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior

Volume: 82

Pages: 48-62

eISSN: 1973-8102

ISSN: 0010-9452

DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2016.05.003

Abstract:

Previous work has reported the existence of "super-recognisers" (SRs), or individuals with extraordinary face recognition skills. However, the precise underpinnings of this ability have not yet been investigated. In this paper we examine (a) the face-specificity of super recognition, (b) perception of facial identity in SRs, (c) whether SRs present with enhancements in holistic processing and (d) the consistency of these findings across different SRs. A detailed neuropsychological investigation into six SRs indicated domain-specificity in three participants, with some evidence of enhanced generalised visuo-cognitive or socio-emotional processes in the remaining individuals. While superior face-processing skills were restricted to face memory in three of the SRs, enhancements to facial identity perception were observed in the others. Notably, five of the six participants showed at least some evidence of enhanced holistic processing. These findings indicate cognitive heterogeneity in the presentation of superior face recognition, and have implications for our theoretical understanding of the typical face-processing system and the identification of superior face-processing skills in applied settings.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/24436/

Source: Europe PubMed Central

An in-depth cognitive examination of individuals with superior face recognition skills.

Authors: Bobak, A.K., Bennetts, R., Parris, B., Jansari, A. and Bate, S.

Journal: Cortex

Volume: 82

Issue: Sept

Pages: 48-62

ISSN: 0010-9452

Abstract:

Previous work has reported the existence of "super-recognisers" (SRs), or individuals with extraordinary face recognition skills. However, the precise underpinnings of this ability have not yet been investigated. In this paper we examine (a) the face-specificity of super recognition, (b) perception of facial identity in SRs, (c) whether SRs present with enhancements in holistic processing and (d) the consistency of these findings across different SRs. A detailed neuropsychological investigation into six SRs indicated domain-specificity in three participants, with some evidence of enhanced generalised visuo-cognitive or socio-emotional processes in the remaining individuals. While superior face-processing skills were restricted to face memory in three of the SRs, enhancements to facial identity perception were observed in the others. Notably, five of the six participants showed at least some evidence of enhanced holistic processing. These findings indicate cognitive heterogeneity in the presentation of superior face recognition, and have implications for our theoretical understanding of the typical face-processing system and the identification of superior face-processing skills in applied settings.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/24436/

Source: BURO EPrints