The Role of Experience-based Perceptual Learning in the Face Inversion Effect
Civile, C; Obhi, SS; McLaren, IPL
Date: 3 April 2018
Article
Journal
Vision Research
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Perceptual learning of the type we consider here is a consequence of experience with a class of
stimuli. It amounts to an enhanced ability to discriminate between stimuli. We argue that it
contributes to the ability to distinguish between faces and recognize individuals, and in particular
contributes to the face inversion effect ...
Perceptual learning of the type we consider here is a consequence of experience with a class of
stimuli. It amounts to an enhanced ability to discriminate between stimuli. We argue that it
contributes to the ability to distinguish between faces and recognize individuals, and in particular
contributes to the face inversion effect (better recognition performance for upright vs inverted
faces). Previously, we have shown that experience with a prototype defined category of
checkerboards leads to perceptual learning, that this produces an inversion effect, and that this
effect can be disrupted by Anodal tDCS to Fp3 during pre-exposure. If we can demonstrate that
the same tDCS manipulation also disrupts the inversion effect for faces, then this will strengthen
the claim that perceptual learning contributes to that effect. The important question, then, is
whether this tDCS procedure would significantly reduce the inversion effect for faces; stimuli
that we have lifelong expertise with and for which perceptual learning has already occurred.
Consequently, in the experiment reported here we investigated the effects of anodal tDCS at Fp3
during an old/new recognition task for upright and inverted faces. Our results show that
stimulation significantly reduced the face inversion effect compared to controls. The effect was
one of reducing recognition performance for upright faces. This result is the first to show that
tDCS affects perceptual learning that has already occurred, disrupting individuals’ ability to
recognize upright faces. It provides further support for our account of perceptual learning and its
role as a key factor in face recognition.
Psychology - old structure
Collections of Former Colleges
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