Variations in the perception of facial gender across the visual field

• DOI: 10.1167/jov.20.11.791
• Publication Date: 2020-10-26T19:38:04Z
• Authors: Annie Morsi; Valerie Goffaux; John, A. Greenwood
• Keywords: Eccentricity (behavior); Meridian (astronomy)

Visual ability is not equal across the visual field but instead varies in characteristic ways. For example, tasks that measure low-level vision, such as letter acuity or orientation judgements, reveal superior vision lower compared to upper half of (upper-lower anisotropy). Recent research suggests face perception may show same pattern anisotropies, with variations are specific each individual. This study aimed bridge gap between these low and high-level by measuring for judging facial gender different regions field. Participants reported upright inverted faces appeared at 8 locations periphery (at 10 eccentricity). Face size was varied on trial according a QUEST procedure, thresholds calculated smallest necessary judge location. Results both faces, performance better field, along horizontal (East West combined) vertical (North South axis. These align those found simpler (e.g. discrimination), providing direct link vision. Inversion effects were all greater meridian. common anisotropies challenge current literature showing recognition differs ways analogous ties hierarchical model recognition, whereby face-selective brain inherit spatial properties earlier areas resolution patterns) when building complex representations.