Facial recognition and the von Restorff effect

Abstract

The accuracy of recognition for faces of varying distinctiveness was investigated in this study. In Phase I, the subjects ranked 12 male faces from most to least distinctive. Interjudge agreement proved to be reliable. An analysis of the mean ranks assigned to the 12 faces showed them to be significantly different. In Phase II, other subjects responded to the 12 faces in a test of recognition. One week after inspection, distinctive faces produced significantly fewer errors of omission and commission than did nondistinctive faces. The findings suggest a von Restorff effect for faces. © 1975, The psychonomic soceity, inc. All rights reserved.