Modulation of facial processing by identity information in a face similarity evaluation task

• Qiang Zhou

  East China Normal University and Wenzhou Medical University

• Xindong Ye

  Wenzhou University

• Danyang Liao

  Wenzhou Medical University

• Weidong Zhang

  East China Normal University

We used a face similarity task with event-related potentials (ERPs) in a study conducted with 22 individuals in order to examine the processing of identity information. During the evaluation task, significant variations in the late negative potential were elicited by different identity contexts of couples versus strangers. By contrast, the face-specific N170 component was not significantly affected by variations in identity context. In addition, participants’ behavioral data were significantly influenced by the task instructions, but not by the true relationship of the couple. Together, ERP and behavioral results suggest that the evaluation of face similarity with identity information occurs at a later stage.

1. Qiang Zhou, East China Normal University and Wenzhou Medical University

   School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, and Department of Psychology

2. Xindong Ye, Wenzhou University
   Department of Educational Technology
3. Danyang Liao, Wenzhou Medical University
   Department of Psychology
4. Weidong Zhang, East China Normal University
   School of Psychology and Cognitive Science

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