Perception of direct gaze does not require focus of attention

Abstract

Previous research using averted (e.g., leftward or rightward) gaze indicates that gaze perception requires a focus of attention. However, direct gaze, compared with averted gaze, is processed in the brain preferentially and enhances cognitive functions. Thus, it is necessary to use direct gaze to investigate whether gaze perception is possible without focused attention. We conducted a dual-task paradigm in which attention was drawn away from gaze. Results showed performance on gaze-direction discrimination (direct vs. averted gaze) in the dual-task condition was only slightly lower than in the single-task condition; participants were able to discriminate direct from averted gaze without focusing their attention in a similar manner to when they did focus their attention. In contrast, when participants discriminated between averted gazes (leftward and rightward), performance dropped to near-chance levels. It was concluded that gaze perception does not require a focus of attention for direct gaze.