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Itoh Y, Miura H, Shimane D. A descriptive study on misidentifications of a person as a familiar person in an everyday situation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8530. [PMID: 37237029 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35094-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to show the characteristics of person misidentifications, that is, experiences in which persons are misidentified as known persons. A total of 121 participants were asked how many times they misidentified persons in the last year and details of a recent person misidentification were recorded through a traditional questionnaire. Additionally, they answered questions in a diary method questionnaire, about the details of person misidentification each time they experienced it, during the two-week survey period. The questionnaires revealed that the participants misidentified both known and unknown persons as familiar persons approximately six (traditional questionnaire) or 19 (diary method) times a year on average, regardless of whether they expected the persons to be there. They were more likely to misidentify a person as a familiar than as a less familiar person. It was also shown that the similarity of the faces of the person actually seen and the person they were mistaken for was not as high as the similarities of build and clothing. This study is expected to provide suggestions for models of person identification and enhance the research on errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Itoh
- Department of Psychology, Keio University, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan.
- Department of Psychology, Kyoto Women's University, 35 Kitahiyoshi-cho, Imakumano, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-8501, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Miura
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, Tokyo, 181-8611, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shimane
- Department of Psychology, Keio University, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan
- Research Center for Brain Communication, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi, 782-0003, Japan
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Dunn JD, Towler A, Kemp RI, White D. Selecting police super-recognisers. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283682. [PMID: 37195905 PMCID: PMC10191310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
People vary in their ability to recognise faces. These individual differences are consistent over time, heritable and associated with brain anatomy. This implies that face identity processing can be improved in applied settings by selecting high performers-'super-recognisers' (SRs)-but these selection processes are rarely available for scientific scrutiny. Here we report an 'end-to-end' selection process used to establish an SR 'unit' in a large police force. Australian police officers (n = 1600) completed 3 standardised face identification tests and we recruited 38 SRs from this cohort to complete 10 follow-up tests. As a group, SRs were 20% better than controls in lab-based tests of face memory and matching, and equalled or surpassed accuracy of forensic specialists that currently perform face identification tasks for police. Individually, SR accuracy was variable but this problem was mitigated by adopting strict selection criteria. SRs' superior abilities transferred only partially to body identity decisions where the face was not visible, and they were no better than controls at deciding which visual scene that faces had initially been encountered in. Notwithstanding these important qualifications, we conclude that super-recognisers are an effective solution to improving face identity processing in applied settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D. Dunn
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alice Towler
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - David White
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Nador JD, Vomland M, Thielgen MM, Ramon M. Face Recognition in Police Officers:Who Fits the Bill? FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2022.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Bate S, Portch E, Mestry N. When two fields collide: Identifying "super-recognisers" for neuropsychological and forensic face recognition research. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2021; 74:2154-2164. [PMID: 34110226 PMCID: PMC8531948 DOI: 10.1177/17470218211027695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, a novel individual differences approach has emerged across the face recognition literature. While the field has long been concerned with prosopagnosia (the inability to recognise facial identity), it has more recently become clear that there are vast differences in face recognition ability within the typical population. "Super-recognisers" are those individuals purported to reside at the very top of this spectrum. On one hand, these people are of interest to cognitive neuropsychologists who are motivated to explore the commonality of the face recognition continuum, whereas on the other hand, researchers from the forensic face matching field evaluate the implementation of super-recognisers into real-world police and security settings. These two rather different approaches have led to discrepancies in the definition of super-recognisers, and perhaps more fundamentally, the approach to identifying them, resulting in a lack of consistency that prohibits theoretical progress. Here, we review the protocols used in published work to identify super-recognisers, and propose a common definition and screening recommendations that can be adhered to across fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bate
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of
Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Emma Portch
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of
Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Natalie Mestry
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of
Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
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Petersen LA, Leue A. Extraordinary face recognition performance in laboratory and online testing. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Aylin Petersen
- Department of Psychology Christian‐Albrechts‐University zu Kiel (CAU) Kiel Germany
| | - Anja Leue
- Department of Psychology Christian‐Albrechts‐University zu Kiel (CAU) Kiel Germany
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Noyes E, Davis JP, Petrov N, Gray KLH, Ritchie KL. The effect of face masks and sunglasses on identity and expression recognition with super-recognizers and typical observers. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201169. [PMID: 33959312 PMCID: PMC8074904 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Face masks present a new challenge to face identification (here matching) and emotion recognition in Western cultures. Here, we present the results of three experiments that test the effect of masks, and also the effect of sunglasses (an occlusion that individuals tend to have more experienced with) on (i) familiar face matching, (ii) unfamiliar face matching and (iii) emotion categorization. Occlusion reduced accuracy in all three tasks, with most errors in the mask condition; however, there was little difference in performance for faces in masks compared with faces in sunglasses. Super-recognizers, people who are highly skilled at matching unconcealed faces, were impaired by occlusion, but at the group level, performed with higher accuracy than controls on all tasks. Results inform psychology theory with implications for everyday interactions, security and policing in a mask-wearing society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilidh Noyes
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Josh P. Davis
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, UK
| | - Nikolay Petrov
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, UK
| | - Katie L. H. Gray
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UR, UK
| | - Kay L. Ritchie
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7TS, UK
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Fysh MC, Stacchi L, Ramon M. Differences between and within individuals, and subprocesses of face cognition: implications for theory, research and personnel selection. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200233. [PMID: 33047013 PMCID: PMC7540753 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent investigations of individual differences have demonstrated striking variability in performance both within the same subprocess in face cognition (e.g. face perception), but also between two different subprocesses (i.e. face perception versus face recognition) that are assessed using different tasks (face matching versus face memory). Such differences between and within individuals between and within laboratory tests raise practical challenges. This applies in particular to the development of screening tests for the selection of personnel in real-world settings where faces are routinely processed, such as at passport control. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the performance profiles of individuals within and across two different subprocesses of face cognition: face perception and face recognition. To this end, 146 individuals completed four different tests of face matching-one novel tool for assessing proficiency in face perception, as well as three established measures-and two benchmark tests of face memory probing face recognition. In addition to correlational analyses, we further scrutinized individual performance profiles of the highest and lowest performing observers identified per test, as well as across all tests. Overall, a number of correlations emerged between tests. However, there was limited evidence at the individual level to suggest that high proficiency in one test generalized to other tests measuring the same subprocess, as well as those that measured a different subprocess. Beyond emphasizing the need to honour inter-individual differences through careful multivariate assessment in the laboratory, our findings have real-world implications: combinations of tests that most accurately map the task(s) and processes of interest are required for personnel selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Fysh
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Lisa Stacchi
- iBM Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Faucigny 2, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Meike Ramon
- Applied Face Cognition Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Faucigny 2, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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Leue A, Nieden K, Scheuble V, Beauducel A. Individual differences of conflict monitoring and feedback processing during reinforcement learning in a mock forensic context. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 20:408-426. [PMID: 32043207 PMCID: PMC7105439 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-020-00776-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated individual differences of conflict monitoring (N2 component), feedback processing (feedback negativity component), and reinforcement learning in a discrimination learning task using a mock (fictitious) forensic scenario to set participants in a semantic task context. We investigated individual differences of anxiety-related, impulsivity-related traits and reasoning ability during trial-and-error learning of mock suspect and nonsuspect faces. Thereby, we asked how the differential investment of cognitive-motivational processes facilitates learning in a mock forensic context. As learning can be studied by means of time-on-task effects (i.e., variations of cognitive processes across task blocks), we investigated the differential investment of cognitive-motivational processes block-wise in N = 100 participants. By performing structural equation modeling, we demonstrate that conflict monitoring decreased across task blocks, whereas the percentage of correct responses increased across task blocks. Individuals with higher reasoning scores and higher impulsivity-related traits relied rather on feedback processing (i.e., external indicators) during reinforcement learning. Individuals with higher anxiety-related traits intensified their conflict monitoring throughout the task to learn successfully. Observation by relevant others intensified conflict monitoring more than nonobservation. Our data highlight that individual differences and social context modulate the intensity of information processing in a discrimination learning task using a mock forensic task scenario. We discuss our data with regard to recent cognitive-motivational approaches and in terms of reinforcement learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Leue
- Institute of Psychology, University of Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 75, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Katharina Nieden
- Institute of Psychology, University of Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 75, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Vera Scheuble
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Stacchi L, Huguenin-Elie E, Caldara R, Ramon M. Normative data for two challenging tests of face matching under ecological conditions. COGNITIVE RESEARCH-PRINCIPLES AND IMPLICATIONS 2020; 5:8. [PMID: 32076893 PMCID: PMC7031457 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-019-0205-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Unfamiliar face processing is an ability that varies considerably between individuals. Numerous studies have aimed to identify its underlying determinants using controlled experimental procedures. While such tests can isolate variables that influence face processing, they usually involve somewhat unrealistic situations and optimized face images as stimulus material. As a consequence, the extent to which the performance observed under laboratory settings is informative for predicting real-life proficiency remains unclear. Results We present normative data for two ecologically valid but underused tests of face matching: the Yearbook Test (YBT) and the Facial Identity Card Sorting Test (FICST). The YBT (n = 252) measures identity matching across substantial age-related changes in facial appearance, while the FICST (n = 218) assesses the ability to process unfamiliar facial identity despite superficial image variations. To determine the predictive value of both tests, a subsample of our cohort (n = 181) also completed a commonly used test of face recognition and two tests of face perception (the long form of the Cambridge Face Memory Test (CFMT+), the Expertise in Facial Comparison Test (EFCT) and the Person Identification Challenge Test (PICT)). Conclusions Focusing on the top performers identified independently per test, we made two important observations: 1) YBT and FICST performance can predict CFMT+ scores and vice versa; and 2) EFCT and PICT scores neither reliably predict superior performance in ecologically meaningful and challenging tests of face matching, nor in the most commonly used test of face recognition. These findings emphasize the necessity for using challenging and ecologically relevant, and thus highly sensitive, tasks of unfamiliar face processing to identify high-performing individuals in the normal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Stacchi
- Eye and Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Eva Huguenin-Elie
- Applied Face Cognition Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Caldara
- Eye and Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Meike Ramon
- Applied Face Cognition Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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Robertson DJ, Black J, Chamberlain B, Megreya AM, Davis JP. Super‐Recognisers show an advantage for other race face identification. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Robertson
- School of Psychological Sciences and HealthUniversity of Strathclyde Glasgow UK
| | - Jennifer Black
- School of Psychological Sciences and HealthUniversity of Strathclyde Glasgow UK
| | - Bethany Chamberlain
- School of Psychological Sciences and HealthUniversity of Strathclyde Glasgow UK
| | - Ahmed M. Megreya
- Department of Psychological Sciences, College of EducationQatar University Doha Qatar
| | - Josh P. Davis
- Department of Psychology, Social Work and CounsellingUniversity of Greenwich London UK
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11
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Kramer RSS, Hardy SC, Ritchie KL. Searching for faces in crowd chokepoint videos. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Young AW, Noyes E. We need to talk about super‐recognizers Invited commentary on: Ramon, M., Bobak, A. K., & White, D. Super‐recognizers: From the lab to the world and back again.
British Journal of Psychology
. Br J Psychol 2019; 110:492-494. [DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eilidh Noyes
- Department of Psychology University of Huddersfield UK
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Ramon M, Bobak AK, White D. Super-recognizers: From the lab to the world and back again. Br J Psychol 2019; 110:461-479. [PMID: 30893478 PMCID: PMC6767378 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The recent discovery of individuals with superior face processing ability has sparked considerable interest amongst cognitive scientists and practitioners alike. These ‘Super‐recognizers’ (SRs) offer clues to the underlying processes responsible for high levels of face processing ability. It has been claimed that they can help make societies safer and fairer by improving accuracy of facial identity processing in real‐world tasks, for example when identifying suspects from Closed Circuit Television or performing security‐critical identity verification tasks. Here, we argue that the current understanding of superior face processing does not justify widespread interest in SR deployment: There are relatively few studies of SRs and no evidence that high accuracy on laboratory‐based tests translates directly to operational deployment. Using simulated data, we show that modest accuracy benefits can be expected from deploying SRs on the basis of ideally calibrated laboratory tests. Attaining more substantial benefits will require greater levels of communication and collaboration between psychologists and practitioners. We propose that translational and reverse‐translational approaches to knowledge development are critical to advance current understanding and to enable optimal deployment of SRs in society. Finally, we outline knowledge gaps that this approach can help address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Ramon
- Applied Face Cognition Lab, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Anna K Bobak
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, UK
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Bruce V, Bindemann M, Lander K. Individual differences in face perception and person recognition. COGNITIVE RESEARCH-PRINCIPLES AND IMPLICATIONS 2018; 3:18. [PMID: 30009248 PMCID: PMC6019416 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-018-0109-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen Lander
- 3University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, England
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