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. 2015 Dec 21:9:679.
doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00679. eCollection 2015.

The Role of Configural Processing in Face Classification by Race: An ERP Study

Jing Lv  1 , Tianyi Yan  2 , Luyang Tao  3 , Lun Zhao  4
Affiliations

The Role of Configural Processing in Face Classification by Race: An ERP Study

Jing Lv et al. Front Hum Neurosci. .

Abstract

The current study investigated the time course of the other-race classification advantage (ORCA) in the subordinate classification of normally configured faces and distorted faces by race. Slightly distorting the face configuration delayed the categorization of own-race faces and had no conspicuous effects on other-race faces. The N170 was sensitive neither to configural distortions nor to faces' races. The P3 was enhanced for other-race than own-race faces and reduced by configural manipulation only for own-race faces. We suggest that the source of ORCA is the configural analysis applied by default while processing own-race faces.

Keywords: ERPs; configural processing; face perception; other-race faces.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Examples of the stimuli used in this study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The N170 elicited by own-race and other-race normally configured and faces with slight configural distortions.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The P3 elicited by own-race and other-race normally configured and faces with slight configural distortions.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The difference waveforms between other-race and own-race faces and between distorted and normal faces as well as the 3D mapping of each component, respectively.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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