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Age-related Differences in Processing Face Configuration: The Importance of the Eye Region

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Debbie Riby

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Abstract

Objectives. Recent research suggests that older adults have difficulties with aspects of configural face processing. The present study examined whether age-related declines in sensitivity to configural face information are dependent on the face region in which configural changes occur. Method. Younger and older adults completed a face-matching task that required the detection of configural manipulations to either the eye or the mouth regions of target faces. Results. Age-related declines in the ability to detect configural changes were found when the eye region of the face was modified. Importantly, no age-related differences were evident when perceiving similar changes to the mouth region. Discussion. Taken together, these findings suggest that age-related differences in sensitivity to configural information are specific to the eye region of the face. The potential implications of these findings for age-related difficulties in interpreting social cues from the eyes are discussed.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Slessor G, Riby DM, Finnerty AN

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences

Year: 2013

Volume: 68

Issue: 2

Pages: 228-231

Print publication date: 03/08/2012

ISSN (print): 1079-5014

ISSN (electronic): 1758-5368

Publisher: Oxford University Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbs059

DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbs059

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