Holistic processing for faces operates over a wide range of sizes but is strongest at identification rather than conversational distances.
How does holistic/configural processing, a key property of face perception, vary with distance from an observed person? Two techniques measured holistic processing in isolation from part-based contributions to face perception: salience bias to upright in transparency displays, and a difficult-to-see Mooney face. Results revealed an asymmetric inverted-U-shaped tuning to simulated observer-target distance (stimulus size and viewer-screen distance combinations). Holistic processing peaked at distances functionally relevant for identification during approach (2-10m; equivalent head size=6-1.3 degrees ), fell off steeply at closer distances functionally relevant for understanding emotional nuances and speech (.25-2m), and operated over a very wide range of distances (from .46 to 23m, 47.5-0.6 degrees ).
McKone
Elinor
E
Australian National University, Department of Psychology, Canberra, Australia. Elinor.McKone@anu.edu.au
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009949:Orientation; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D010469:Perceptual Distortion / Q000502:physiology; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011601:Psychophysics; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D055815:Young Adult