Perceptual expertise improves category detection in natural scenes

There is much debate about how detection, categorization, and within-category identification relate to one another during object recognition. Whether these tasks rely on partially shared perceptual mechanisms may be determined by testing whether training on one of these tasks facilitates performance on another. In the present study we asked whether expertise in discriminating objects improves the detection of these objects in naturalistic scenes. Self-proclaimed car experts (N = 34) performed a car discrimination task to establish their level of expertise, followed by a visual search task where they were asked to detect cars and people in hundreds of photographs of natural scenes. Results revealed that expertise in discriminating cars was strongly correlated with car detection accuracy. This effect was specific to objects of expertise, as there was no influence of car expertise on person detection. These results indicate a close link between object discrimination and object detection performance, which we interpret as reflecting partially shared perceptual mechanisms and neural representations underlying these tasks: the increased sensitivity of the visual system for objects of expertise – as a result of extensive discrimination training – may benefit both the discrimination and the detection of these objects. Alternative interpretations are also discussed

Applied screening tests for the detection of superior face recognition.

In recent years there has been growing interest in the identification of people with superior face recognition skills, for both theoretical and applied investigations. These individuals have mostly been identified via their performance on a single attempt at a tightly controlled test of face memory-the long form of the Cambridge Face Memory Test (CFMT+). The consistency of their skills over a range of tests, particularly those replicating more applied policing scenarios, has yet to be examined systematically. The current investigation screened 200 people who believed they have superior face recognition skills, using the CFMT+ and three new, more applied tests (measuring face memory, face matching and composite-face identification in a crowd). Of the sample, 59.5% showed at least some consistency in superior face recognition performance, although only five individuals outperformed controls on overall indices of target-present and target-absent trials. Only one participant outperformed controls on the Crowds test, suggesting that some applied face recognition tasks require very specific skills. In conclusion, future screening protocols need to be suitably thorough to test for consistency in performance, and to allow different types of superior performer to be detected from the outset. Screening for optimal performers may sometimes need to directly replicate the task in question, taking into account target-present and target-absent performance. Self-selection alone is not a reliable means of identifying those at the top end of the face recognition spectrum

Identification from CCTV: Assessing police super-recogniser ability to spot faces in a crowd and susceptibility to change blindness

Police worldwide regularly review CCTV evidence in investigations. This research found London police experts who work in a full-time ‘Super-Recogniser Unit’ and front line police identifiers regularly making suspect identifications from CCTV, possessed superior unfamiliar face recognition ability, and, with higher levels of confidence, outperformed controls at locating actors in a bespoke Spot the Face in a Crowd Test (SFCT). Police were also less susceptible to change blindness errors, and possessed higher levels of conscientiousness, and lower levels of neuroticism and openness. Controls who took part in SFCT actor familiarisation training outperformed untrained controls, suggesting this exercise might enhance identification of persons of interest in real investigations. This research supports an accumulating body of evidence demonstrating that international police forces may benefit from deploying officers with superior face recognition ability to roles such as CCTV review, as these officers may be the most likely to identify persons of interest

An in-depth cognitive examination of individuals with superior face recognition skills

Previous work has reported the existence of "super-recognisers" (SRs), or individuals with extraordinary face recognition skills. However, the precise underpinnings of this ability have not yet been investigated. In this paper we examine (a) the face-specificity of super recognition, (b) perception of facial identity in SRs, (c) whether SRs present with enhancements in holistic processing and (d) the consistency of these findings across different SRs. A detailed neuropsychological investigation into six SRs indicated domain-specificity in three participants, with some evidence of enhanced generalised visuo-cognitive or socio-emotional processes in the remaining individuals. While superior face-processing skills were restricted to face memory in three of the SRs, enhancements to facial identity perception were observed in the others. Notably, five of the six participants showed at least some evidence of enhanced holistic processing. These findings indicate cognitive heterogeneity in the presentation of superior face recognition, and have implications for our theoretical understanding of the typical face-processing system and the identification of superior face-processing skills in applied settings

An Investigation into the Factors that Influence the Desired Outcomes of Upward Bound Projects Comprised Primarily of Native American Youth

The purpose of this study was to assess whether a relationship existed between certain resource characteristics and designated outcomes within Upward Bound programs whose student enrollments were predominately American Indian. Positive outcomes included achievement test gains in both comprehension and reading, high school retention, the number of high school graduates, and enrollment in post-secondary education. Ten Upward Bound projects from an eight-state area were involved in the study. Data were collected from directors and staff using a questionnaire, the Bogardus Social Distance Scale, and Hersey and Blanchard\u27s LEAD Self and LEAD Other. Factor analysis, stepwise multiple linear regression, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were used. Results showed that certain resource characteristics related to stated outcomes. In the areas of achievement test gains in comprehension and reading and in post-secondary enrollment, the variance was limited. Native American counselors did relate significantly to achievement test gains in reading and in the number of high school graduates. Major findings were that Native American directors; higher paid directors; additional enrichment programs; older, more established Upward Bound projects all related to increased high school retention and larger numbers of high school graduates. Other variables related to either high school retention or high school graduation. Attitude of the staff toward minorities, amount of money spent on supplies and equipment, and advanced educational levels of summer instructors all related to high school retention. The more summer instructors in math, science, social studies, and English, the better the high school graduation rate. Leadership qualities related to high school graduation only. These included the director\u27s perception of the co-director\u27s leadership effectiveness, the director\u27s perception of the co-director\u27s leadership style of low task and high relationship, and the staff\u27s perception of the director\u27s leadership style of high task and high relationship

Test re-test reliability and clinical feasibility of miniature probe microphones for use in hearing aid evaluations

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