A multidimensional scaling analysis of own- and cross-race face spaces.
We examined predictions derived from Valentine's (1991) Multidimensional Space (MDS) framework for own- and other-race face processing. A set of 20 computerized faces was generated from a single prototype. Each face was saved as Black and White, changing only skin tone, such that structurally identical faces were represented in both race categories. Participants made speeded "same-different" judgments to all possible combinations of faces, from which we generated psychological spaces, with "different" RTs as the measure of similarity. Consistent with the MDS framework, all faces were pseudo-normally distributed around the (unseen) prototype. The distribution of faces was consistent with Valentine's (1991) predictions: despite their physical identity to the White faces, Black faces had lower mean inter-object distances in psychological space. Other-race faces are more densely clustered in psychological space, which could underlie well-known recognition deficits.
Papesh
Megan H
MH
Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1104, United States.
Goldinger
Stephen D
SD
D044466:Asian People; D044383:Black People; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D044469:Racial Groups; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D044465:White People; D055815:Young Adult