The neural dynamics of familiar face recognition

Wiese, Holger; Schweinberger, Stefan R.; Kovács, Gyula

Abstract

Humans are highly efficient at recognising familiar faces. However, previous EEG/ERP research has given a partial and fragmented account of the neural basis of this remarkable ability. We argue that this is related to insufficient consideration of fundamental characteristics of familiar face recognition. These include image-independence (recognition across different pictures), levels of familiarity (familiar faces vary hugely in duration and intensity of our exposure to them), automaticity (we cannot voluntarily withhold from recognising a familiar face), and domain-selectivity (the degree to which face familiarity effects are selective). We review recent EEG/ERP work, combining uni- and multivariate methods, that has systematically targeted these shortcomings. We present a theoretical account of familiar face recognition, dividing it into early visual, domain-sensitive and domain-general phases, and integrating image-independence and levels of familiarity. Our account incorporates classic and more recent concepts, such as multi-dimensional face representation and course-to-fine processing. While several questions remain to be addressed, this new account represents a major step forward in our understanding of the neurophysiological basis of familiar face recognition.

Citation

Wiese, H., Schweinberger, S. R., & Kovács, G. (2024). The neural dynamics of familiar face recognition. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 167, Article 105943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105943

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 11, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Nov 16, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-12
• Deposit Date: Nov 18, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 18, 2024
• Journal: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
• Print ISSN: 0149-7634
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 167
• Article Number: 105943
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105943
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3099711