Memory processes in facial recognition and recall

Abstract

The encoding processes of recognition and recall for line-drawn faces were investigated. Subjects randomly received three-alternative forced-choice tests of recognition and probe recall of 20 male faces. Between each inspection and test, subjects performed an interference task for 10 sec. The interference tasks consisted of either identifying the missing facial feature in line drawings or in photographs, or correctly identifying the misspelled words describing different facial features. The results indicate that recognition performance was higher than probe-recall performance for all groups. The analysis of the recognition data suggests that recognition ability decreased as the similarity of the interference task to the target increased. This finding suggests that faces are encoded using visual rather than verbal imagery. © 1978, The Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.