title: Individual differences in (non-visual) processing style predict the face inversion effect.
abstract: Recent research suggests that individuals with relatively weak global precedence (i.e., a smaller propensity to view visual stimuli in a configural manner) show a reduced face inversion effect (FIE). Coupled with such findings, a number of recent studies have demonstrated links between an advantage for feature-based processing and the presentation of traits associated with autism among the general population. The present study sought to bridge these findings by investigating whether a relationship exists between the possession of autism-associated traits (i.e., as indicated by individuals'"autism quotient" [(AQ) and the size of the FIE. Participants completed an on-line study in which the AQ was measured prior to a standard face recognition task where half of the faces were inverted at test. The results confirmed that higher AQ levels were predictive of smaller FIEs. Implications for a common underlying factor relating to processing orientation are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, UK. natalie.wyer@plymouth.ac.uk
authors.forename: Natalie A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Wyer
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Tracey
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pickup
authors.forename: C Neil
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Macrae
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D009949:Orientation; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*