The role of view in human face detection

Burton, A.M. and Bindemann, M. (2009) The role of view in human face detection. Vision Research, 49(15), pp. 2026-2036. (doi: 10.1016/j.visres.2009.05.012)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

The ability to detect faces in visual scenes is little understood. Across three experiments we examined whether particular facial views (for example those revealing a pair of eyes) facilitate detection while observers are searching for faces in complex visual scenes. Viewers’ performance was equivalent for faces shown in frontal and mid-profile pose, but declined in profile (Experiment 1). These differences persisted when only half the face was shown, so that one eye was visible in frontal and profile view but both eyes were preserved in mid-frontal faces (Experiment 2). The same pattern was found when only the upper region of a face appeared in visual scenes, but the presentation of lower half faces eliminated all differences (Experiment 3). These findings demonstrate that the upper face mediates detection across different views, but ‘a pair of eyes’ cannot explain differences in detectability.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Burton, Prof Anthony and Bindemann, Mr Markus
Authors: Burton, A.M., and Bindemann, M.
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
Journal Name:Vision Research
Publisher:Pergamon
ISSN:0042-6989
ISSN (Online):1878-5646
Published Online:21 May 2009

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
442391Human Face Detection in Natural ScenesAnthony BurtonEconomic & Social Research Council (ESRC)RES-062-23-0389Psychology