Hemispheric asymmetry in discriminating faces differing for featural or configural (second-order relations) aspects

Abstract

The human capacity to discriminate among different faces relies on distinct parallel subprocesses, based either on the analysis of configural aspects or on the sequential analysis of the single elements of a face. A particular type of configural processing consists of considering whether two faces differ in terms of internal spacing among their features, referred to as second-order relations processing. Findings from electrophysiological, neuroimaging, and lesion studies suggest that, overall, configural processes rely more on the right hemisphere, whereas analysis of single features would involve more the left. However, results are not always consistent, and behavioral evidence for a right-hemisphere specialization in second-order relations processing is lacking. Here, we used divided visual field presentation to investigate the possible different contributions of the two hemispheres to face discrimination based on relational versus featural processing.Our data indicate a right-hemispheric specialization in relational processing of upright (but not inverted) faces. Furthermore, we provide evidence regarding the involvement of both the right and left hemispheres in the processing of faces differing for inner features, suggesting that both analytical and configural modes of processing are at play.

Spatio-temporal dynamics and laterality effects of face inversion, feature presence and configuration, and face outline

“…Despite a clear RH dominance in face processing, some evidence suggests that the LH contributes significantly to processing inverted faces. Behavioral studies using divided visual field methodology show the RH advantage in discriminating upright, but not inverted faces (Hillger and Koenig, 1991; Cattaneo et al, 2013), indicating left hemisphere engagement during processing of inverted faces. Similarly, split-brain monkeys show the face inversion effect when the stimuli are presented to the RH, but not to the LH (Vermeire and Hamilton, 1998).…”

Anger superiority effect for change detection and change blindness

“…This may reflect the specialization of the right hemisphere in holistic, configural processing of visual information, especially of upright faces (Cattaneo et al, 2013).…”

Holistic processing for left–right composite faces in Chinese and Caucasian observers

“…Based on the idea that holistic processing is primarily a property of the right hemisphere and featural processing is primarily a property of the left hemisphere (Cattaneo et al, 2014;Ramon & Rossion, 2012;Rossion et al, 2000), we predicted a differential extent of holistic processing as a function of visual field. Surprisingly, the magnitude of holistic processing was equivalent for face halves presented in either visual field, suggesting equal participation of both hemispheres in face perception, and this was true in both Experiments 1 and 2.…”