Interaction between processing of identity and emotional expression in faces. Cognitive and neural mechanism

Yankouskaya, Ala (2013). Interaction between processing of identity and emotional expression in faces. Cognitive and neural mechanism. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The central aim of the present thesis was to examine the relationship between processing of identity and emotional expression in faces. This was addressed by testing for independence versus interaction between the two processes at behavioural and neural level using the redundant target paradigm that involves examining redundancy gain when both facial identity and facial emotion targets are present, comparing performance against conditions where only one target is present. Responses to redundant targets were faster than responses to either single target when a universal emotion was conveyed, and performance violated predictions from a model assuming independent processing of emotion and face identity. The effects were not modulated by varying inter-stimulus and non-target contingencies and were eliminated when the faces were inverted. The results here indicated that greater experience with faces was associated with greater redundancy gains and super capacity in processing of identity and emotional expression. The coactive processing was preserved with age. At the neural level the redundancy effect was supported by functional connectivity between the Orbitofrontal cortex and the Occipital cortex. The findings are discussed and possible mechanisms for processing of identity and emotional expression in faces are proposed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):