Salient features in face recognition: Examining the eyebrows, eyes, and mouth

The purpose of the proposed studies is to add to the literature on face recognition, specifically regarding the role of eyebrows in unfamiliar facial recognition. While most studies have found that facial features are processed holistically, eyes have long been considered the most salient feature. Past studies that have shown eye region preference have sometimes manipulated just the eyes and other times the entire eye area, consisting of the eyes and the eyebrows. The present studies examined the role eyebrows play in unfamiliar face recognition by erasing or changing them and asking participants whether the two faces presented in quick succession were the same or different. Reaction times and correct responses were measured. The eyebrow manipulation conditions were presented along with manipulations to the mouth or the eyes and eye area to further examine the role of the eyebrows in the context of the face and its other features. Results suggest that eyebrows are important both as a placeholder and a feature.