The role of configural processing in face classification by race: an ERP study

• Main Authors: Jing eLv, Tianyi eYan, Luyang eTao, Lun eZhao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2015-12-01
• Series: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
• Subjects: Configural processing; ERPs; Face processing.; Other-race faces; other-race advantage
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00679/full

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 even more the categorization of own-race faces having no conspicuous effect on other race faces. The N170 was not sensitive to configural distortions and 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.