Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (Dec 2015)

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

  • Jing eLv,
  • Tianyi eYan,
  • Luyang eTao,
  • Lun eZhao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00679
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

Read online

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.

Keywords