Links between Literacy Skills and Accurate Spatial Relations in Representations of the Face: Comparison of Preschoolers, School Children, Dyslexics, and Mentally Retarded

1983 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 659-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneliese A. Pontius
Keyword(s):  
General Trend ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Mentally Retarded ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Human Face ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
The Face ◽  
Simple Measurement ◽  
Developmental Factor ◽  
Pictorial Representations

A specific link is found between low of absent literacy skills and a specific misrepresentation of spatial relations exclusively of the upper part of the human face. This misrepresentation, determined by simple measurement, is found in 32% of the pictorial representations of 407 preschoolers whose drawings were published by various authors as well as in 32% of 44 preschoolers tested here. By contrast, after having had instruction in literacy, the proportion of such misrepresentations of the face drops to 7.5% and 10%, respectively, although, as expected, not in the drawings by 236 mildly mentally retarded or by 297 dyslexic children, 33% and 39% of whom, respectively, still misrepresent the face. In addition to a developmental factor, a further one, as yet undetermined, may be at work and related to a specific deficit in representing the spatial relations of the face. Data further support the previously suggested existence of a specific and general trend for a link between literacy skills and accurate representation of the spatial relations of the pattern of the face also noted previously in diverse cultural groups and periods.

Model of Ecological (Cultural) Evolutionary Neuropsychiatry

1984 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneliese A. Pontius
Keyword(s):  
Mental Representation ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Human Face ◽  
Brain Pathology ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Cultural Evolutionary ◽  
Main Factor

A new model posits that there are specific patterns of groupings of several delayed human cognitive functions or dysfunctions in certain ecological circumstances which characterize a significant portion of a cultural group. It is further posited that such patterns (“ecological syndromes”) are primarily based on as yet unknown neurophysiological givens. This deduction is based on the occurrence of several specific groupings of delayed cognitive functions or dysfunctions that have been identified in diverse time periods and cultural groups where no brain pathology can reasonably be expected. The “ecological syndromes” were, however, noted to be analogous to those found in neuropathology. The main factor contributing to such an “ecological syndrome” appears to be a specifically limited under-use of certain functions not needed for the survival of certain populations without implying any general cultural deprivation. Some examples of “ecological syndromes” are mentioned: low arithmetic skills linked with quantitatively inaccurate pictorial (and implied mental) representation of fingers, low literacy skills linked with specifically inaccurate pictorial (and implied mental) representation of the subtle spatial relations of the configuration of the human face, and an “ecological apractognosia” observed among wigmen of New Guinea.

Finger Misrepresentation and Dyscalculia in an Ecological Context: Toward an Ecological (Cultural) Evolutionary Neuro-Psychiatry

1983 ◽  
Vol 57 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1191-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneliese A. Pontius
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Brain Lesions ◽  
Ecological Context ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Regular School ◽  
The Face ◽  
Cultural Evolutionary

A new model posits the existence of a general link between ecological (cultural) factors and post-natally evolving cognitive functions and in particular the emergence of such functions in specific clusters. Such “ecological syndromes” are characteristic of a significant portion of a cultural group and analogous to syndromes found with certain brain lesions without implying them. Presently a specific link is noted between known low skills in arithmetic and as tested here, quantitatively inaccurate pictorial (and implied mental) representation of fingers in 78% of New Guineans and 70% of Indonesians living in remote areas, while only 16% of Western European regular school children (ages 7 to 10 yr.) misrepresented the fingers in drawing a person. Previously a link between low literacy skills and inaccurate spatial relations in representing the pattern of the face was found for diverse time periods and cultural groups.

Representation of Spatial Relations on the Specific Test, Draw-A-Person-with-Face-in-Front, as Indicative of Literacy Skills in Australian Aboriginals and “Westerners”

1984 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 275-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneliese A. Pontius
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Recent Criticism ◽  
Specific Test ◽  
Remedial Intervention ◽  
The Face ◽  
Simple Measurement ◽  
Aboriginal Children

A novel test, Draw-A-Person-With-Face-In-Front, uses simple measurement with a ruler to detect subtle misrepresentation of spatial relations within the pattern of the human face (in contradistinction to facial recognition tests). Studies have repeatedly shown a close association between misrepresentation of the face and low or absent skills in widely diverse cultural populations and time periods. Recent criticism by Davidson that neglects to consider this particular test and the replications of similar results does not address the main point of my study of Australian Aboriginal children or the specification of remedial intervention made possible by fractionating factors of specific under-used capability within a cultural context.

Spatial Representation in Face Drawing and Block Design by Nine Groups from Hunter-Gatherers to Literates

1997 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 947-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneliese A. Pontius
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Representation ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Block Designs ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Hunter Gatherers ◽  
Fight Or Flight Response

A rank-order correlation was performed for nine cultural groups ranging from preliterate hunter-gatherers to literate medium-city dwellers. Two spatial tests of intrapattern spatial relations were used, the Draw-A-Person-With-Face-In-Front test and the Kohs Block Design, a test of constructive praxia. In contrast to traditional “Western” evaluations, credit was given for the preservation of the essential intrapattern shapes even when exact spatial relations among these shapes was incorrect. Such “errors” were labelled “neolithic face” patterns and “nonrandom errors,” respectively. Analysis suggested that the neglected intrapattern (in contrast to interobject) spatial relational skills emerge with literacy but is not yet actualized in preliterates whose survival requires quick fight or flight response upon prompt, albeit gross, assessment of salient shapes of prey or predators (human or animals). The positive Spearman rank-order correlarion of absent or low literacy skills with the percent of “neolithic face” drawings was .95 and with the “nonrandom” block designs .67. Suggestions were developed for assessing certain unusual “ecological” present situations or certain brain dysfunctions.

Dyslexia Subtype with Simultaneous Processing of Intraobject Spatial Relations in an “Ecological Syndrome”

1985 ◽  
Vol 61 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1107-1120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneliese A. Pontius
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Global Mode ◽  
Drawing Test ◽  
Simultaneous Processing ◽  
Visuospatial Processing ◽  
Simple Measurement ◽  
Visuospatial Representation

Three interrelated phenomena of a global visuospatial representation are discussed within the context of a subtype of “spatial dyslexia” as part of an “ecological syndrome.” (1) Results from a new test, Draw-A-Person-With-Face-In-Front (using simple measurement and requiring no graphic or aesthetic skills) showed in a third of 269 Australian Aboriginal school children a deficient representation of spatial relations within the natural pattern of the upper part of the human face. (2) The test performance apparently is an indicator of a similarly deficient representation of the spatial relations within written signs (single letters, short, isolated functional words, and novel or “nonwords” lacking strong semantic association and imageability). The test discriminates between two modes of visuospatial pictorial (and implied mental) representation, a simultaneous and merely “ inter object”-related global kind vs a successive and “ intraobject”-related one. Further support for such conceptualizing is found in a positive correlation between certain low literacy skills and the specific results (in 6000 examined cases) on the new drawing test. Both inabilities implicate a simultaneous global mode of visuospatial processing, which early in life promptly elicits the infants' in discriminate automatic “smiling response” and appears to be resorted to still later in life by persons with “spatial dyslexia.” (3) Such conceptualizing interrelates with the so far puzzling difference between “literal alexia” vs “verbal alexia” known to neuropathology (not implicated in the present cases but pointing to an underlying structuring process shared by pathological and by “ecological syndromes” alike).

Pictorial Misrepresentation of Spatial Relations of the Face by Certain Chronic Alcoholic Men: An Interpretation Implicating Spatial Aspects of Memory

1983 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 895-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneliese A. Pontius
Keyword(s):  
Mental Representation ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Chronic Alcoholism ◽  
Human Face ◽  
Frontal View ◽  
Chronic Alcoholic ◽  
Memory Processes ◽  
Parietal Lobes ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Brain

Specific deficit in the pictorial (and implied mental) representation of subtle spatial relations of the upper part of the pattern of the human face is demonstrated in 22% of 344 chronic alcoholic skid row men as against 12% of 406 controls, based on protocols for a novel Draw-A-Person-With-The-Face-In-Frontal-View Test This drawing was previously shown to be sensitive to the detection of ability to represent visually subtle yet elementary spatial relations. A speculative interpretation of the present data and of mnemonic techniques described in the literature suggests that accurate mental representation of these spatial relations may be required particularly during the encoding phase of memory processes which appears to be especially inefficient for those with chronic alcoholism. Aside from the brain systems of the frontal and occipital-parietal lobes, the hippocampal mediation of elementary spatial relations particularly may be implicated.

Phases in the Representation of Intraobject Spatial Relations of the Face as Precursors to Literacy: A Testable Hypothesis Engendered by Neolithic Art

1990 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 323-333
Author(s):  
Anneliese A. Pontius
Keyword(s):  
New Guinea ◽  
Spatial Relations ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Testable Hypothesis ◽  
Acquired Dyslexia ◽  
The Face ◽  
Ultimate Attainment ◽  
Potential Use ◽  
Face Pattern ◽  
Relational Representation

An hypothesis is discussed on the emergence of intrapattern spatial relational representation, one prerequisite for ultimate attainment of literacy skills. The hypothesis is testable, e.g., by evaluating potential phases in preschoolers' drawings of the face pattern or of analogous subtle spatial relations within a pattern. The hypothesis was engendered by an analysis of various face patterns engraved on an ancient stone with a “neolithic” face configuration from the Western Highlands of New Guinea. One heuristic value of the present study lies in its potential use for specific refinement of remedial assistance in the attainment of subtle intrapattern representation of spatial relations either in preschoolers or in developmental as well as in acquired dyslexia.

Conventions and temporal differences in painted faces: A study of posture and color distribution

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (11) ◽  
pp. 267-1-267-8
Author(s):  
Mitchell J.P. van Zuijlen ◽  
Sylvia C. Pont ◽  
Maarten W.A. Wijntjes
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Community ◽  
Human Face ◽  
Art Galleries ◽  
Art Collections ◽  
Color Distribution ◽  
Scientific Domain ◽  
The Face ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Over Time

The human face is a popular motif in art and depictions of faces can be found throughout history in nearly every culture. Artists have mastered the depiction of faces after employing careful experimentation using the relatively limited means of paints and oils. Many of the results of these experimentations are now available to the scientific domain due to the digitization of large art collections. In this paper we study the depiction of the face throughout history. We used an automated facial detection network to detect a set of 11,659 faces in 15,534 predominately western artworks, from 6 international, digitized art galleries. We analyzed the pose and color of these faces and related those to changes over time and gender differences. We find a number of previously known conventions, such as the convention of depicting the left cheek for females and vice versa for males, as well as unknown conventions, such as the convention of females to be depicted looking slightly down. Our set of faces will be released to the scientific community for further study.

Real Time Person Recognition and Attendance Marking Using Holistic Based Approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 302
Author(s):  
Reshma P ◽  
Muneer VK ◽  
Muhammed Ilyas P
Keyword(s):  
Face Recognition ◽  
Real Time ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
Efficient Technique ◽  
Human Face ◽  
Traditional Methods ◽  
Person Recognition ◽  
The Face

Face recognition is a challenging task for the researches. It is very useful for personal verification and recognition and also it is very difficult to implement due to all different situation that a human face can be found. This system makes use of the face recognition approach for the computerized attendance marking of students or employees in the room environment without lectures intervention or the employee. This system is very efficient and requires very less maintenance compared to the traditional methods. Among existing methods PCA is the most efficient technique. In this project Holistic based approach is adapted. The system is implemented using MATLAB and provides high accuracy.

Perceptual-Motor Attributes of Mental Retardates: A Factor Analytic Study

1971 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 927-934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renate L. Neeman
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Arm Movement ◽  
Mentally Retarded ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Developmental Factor ◽  
Similar Factor ◽  
Mentally Retarded Children ◽  
Item Scores ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Factor C

19 items of the Purdue Perceptual-motor Survey were administered to 99 mentally retarded children and young adults of mean IQ 52.3. Factor analyses of the item scores of the total sample, and of a subgroup of 66 non-mongoloid Ss, led to the definition of 7 factors: A, postural dimensionality; B, shoulder-arm movement factor; C, laterality; D, ocular control; E, intelligence; F, developmental factor; and G, possibly cultural sex bias factor. Similar factor structures emerged for the total sample, and for the non-mongoloid subgroup, with the exception of Factor E, intelligence. The results generally agree with previous correlational analyses of comparable samples and tend to support the construct validity of the Purdue Perceptual-motor Survey methodology as applied to the mentally retarded.

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