object & face recognition

objects recognition

process where visual input is interpreted and matched to stored representations to identify objects

challenges with objects recognition

binding problem

incomplete objects

categorisation vs identification

contextual influences

binding problem

Treisman, 1996 - challenge of integrating visual features (colour, shape) into unified object perception

incomplete objects

objects that are partially obscured but still recognisable due to prior knowledge

categorisation vs identification

categorisation = recognising object type (a cat)

identification = recognising specific instances (my cat)

contextual influences in object recognition

context affects perception

Yardley et al, 2012 - objects recognised quicker in familiar scenes

priming effect in object recognition

prior exposure to object speeds up recognition process

perceptual constancy

recognising objects as the same despite change of viewpoint, lighting or distance

Marr's 1982 theory of object recognition

brain breaks down objects into simple 3D models to allow recognition from any angle

Biederman's 1987 recognition-by-components theory

objects recognised by identifying basic 3D models and spatial arrangements

limitations to Marr's theory

oversimplified object recognition/lacks support for 3D models usage in rapid recognition

limitations of Biederman's theory

3D based recognition doesn’t explain facial recognition

Pareidolia

tendency to perceive meaningful patterns like faces in ambiguous stimuli

Johnson et al, 1991 study

spoon study - humans prefer human layout faces

evidence against Johnson et al

preference for faces is due to symmetry rather than face preference (Simion et al, 2002)

face recognition

detecting, processing and interpreting facial features - holistic strategies

Bruce and Young 1986 model of facial recognition

face processing is a multi stage process

supporting evidence for Bruce and Youngs model of face recognition

Young et al 1985 - participants more likely to remember faces, must be in stages

holistic processing

perceive face in a whole

inversion effect

faces harder to recognise when upside-down, whole face is important (Yin, 1969)

which area of the brain focuses on object recognition?

Lateral Occipital Cortex (LOC)

what is the Fusiform Face Area (FFA)

brain region specialised in face perception

what is Extrastirate Body Area (EBA)

region of brain that responds to images of human body and body parts

what is the Parahippocampal Place Area (PPA)

brain region focused on visual scenes and places

expertise hypothesis

FFA used for any object - not just faces

Expertise account

Gauthier et al, 2010 - face recognition expertise develops through experience and training - not just face specificty

Visual agnosia

condition where can see but can’t recognise objects - usually due to brain damage

appreciative agnosia

inability to form stable visual representation of object affecting face perception

associative agnosia

objects are perceived but not linked to meaning - recognisation intact but identification is impaired

prosopagnosia

neurological condition characterised by impaired facial recognition - vision intact