Independent effects of resolution and set size on recognition memory for unfamiliar faces

Visual working memory (VWM) is a limited-capacity resource for the temporary storage of visual information (Cowan, 2001). Selective visual attention can protect VWM capacity by filtering relevant from irrelevant information during encoding or maintenance (Griffin & Nobre, 2003). The current study was designed to investigate the consequences of attentional selection on the accuracy of recognition for unfamiliar faces. We used a Change Detection task to measure d’ for cued and uncued faces in displays of 1, 2 and 4 faces, in a free-view (Experiment 1) and single-fixation Experiment 2) displays. In both experiments, recall accuracy was greater for cued than uncued faces. Recognition accuracy was also higher in free-view compared to single fixation displays and declined as a function of set size.This suggests the acquisition of high spatial frequency information during saccadic sampling improves recognition memory. Importantly, this advantage appears to be independent of the decrease in accuracy associated with set size, indicating that increasing the resolution of memoranda in VWM does not dilute resources in the same way as increasing the number of objects to remember.</p

Spatial attention can bias the accuracy of eyewitness identification

Visual working memory (VWM) is a limited-capacity resource for the temporary storage of visual information (Cowan, 2001). Selective visual attention can protect VWM capacity by filtering relevant from irrelevant information during encoding or maintenance (Griffin & Nobre, 2003).The aim of the current study was to investigate changes in the accuracy of face recognition memory when attention was reflexively oriented to the location of a face before (pre-cue) or after (retro-cue) it was disappeared. The results indicate that VWM capacity for unfamiliar faces is poor and declines as a function of the number of faces in the display (load). When attention was oriented by a pre-cue, recall accuracy was independent of load, suggesting attention captures VWM resource in a reflexive manner. This advantage was not observed for retro-cued faces, suggesting reflexive attention operates by biasing VWM resources during encoding rather than the maintenance of remembered faces. These findings have a number of implications in real-world eyewitness scenarios. For example, the accuracy of eyewitness identification is likely to depend upon the number of individuals at the crime scene and differences in their salient visual characteristics.</p

Target distinctiveness modulates resource allocation in visual working memory for faces: implications for eyewitness face identification

Visual working memory (VWM) is a limited-capacity resource for the temporary storage of visual information (Cowan, 2001). Selective visual attention can protect VWM capacity by filtering relevant from irrelevant information during encoding or maintenance (Griffin & Nobre, 2003).The aim of the current study was to investigate whether target distinctiveness bias the allocation of visual working memory (VWM) resources during the encoding of unfamiliar faces. The results indicate that VWM capacity for unfamiliar faces is poor and declines as a function of the number of faces in the display (load). When one of the faces in the display was made distinct (i.e. by adding a tattoo to it), recall accuracy was independent of load, suggesting bottom-up attentional mechanisms protect against competition for limited VWM resources. These findings have a number of implications in real-world eyewitness scenarios. For example, the accuracy of eyewitness identification is likely to depend upon the number of individuals at the crime scene and differences in their salient visual characteristics.</p

Reconsidering valuing happiness: The application of goal type theory

The current paper seeks to solve theoretical and well-being ambiguities presented by the concept of valuing happiness by proposing that extant assessment represents a two-factor model situated within goal type theory. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the valuing happiness scale among UK and US student and adult samples confirmed structural validity for valuing happiness representing valuing happiness in terms of attainment and maintenance goals. Among further UK student samples, both aspects of valuing happiness were related with lower levels of well-being, with a predicted distinction between the two factors of valuing happiness via attainment being associated with lower levels of self-acceptance and valuing happiness via maintenance being associated with lower levels of autonomy. The results suggest that the scale has a two-factor structure with sound psychometric properties that distinguish successfully between attainment valuing happiness and maintenance valuing happiness

Patterns of Sexual Violence Against Adults and Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kenya: A prospective cross-sectional study

Objectives This study examined patterns of sexual violence against adults and children in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic to inform sexual violence prevention, protection, and response efforts.Design A prospective cross-sectional research design was used with data collected from March to August 2020.Setting Kenya.Participants 317 adults, 224 children.Main measures Perpetrator and survivor demographic data, characteristics of the assault.Results Bivariate analyses found that children were more likely than adults to be attacked during daytime (59% vs 44%, pConclusions Patterns of sexual violence against adult and child survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic are different, suggesting age-related measures are needed in national emergency plans to adequately address sexual violence during the pandemic and for future humanitarian crises.</div