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Show me your eyes: Evidence from Williams syndrome

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Debbie Riby

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Abstract

We assessed identity matching ability using whole-face images and faces with the upper face eye region covered by sunglasses (Experiment 1) or the lower face region covered by a scarf (Experiment 2) in typically developing individuals and those with Williams syndrome (WS). The study questioned whether access to eye or mouth information was critical to processing identity. In Experiment 1, WS participants (n = 19) performed less accurately than typically developing participants and on trials with the eye region occluded they produced significantly prolonged reaction times. In Experiment 2, participants with WS (n = 13) performed less accurately than individuals developing typically and on trials with the mouth region covered there was no group different in reaction times. Access to the eye region is particularly important in WS and reaction time analyses suggest atypical processing strategies when faces have the eye region, but not the mouth region, covered.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Riby DM

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Visual Cognition

Year: 2010

Volume: 18

Issue: 6

Pages: 801-815

Print publication date: 01/06/2010

Date deposited: 19/07/2010

ISSN (print): 1350-6285

ISSN (electronic): 1464-0716

Publisher: Psychology Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13506281003616214

DOI: 10.1080/13506281003616214

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