scholarly journals How ubiquitous is the direct-gaze advantage? Evidence for an averted-gaze advantage in a gaze-discrimination task

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Riechelmann ◽  
Matthias Gamer ◽  
Anne Böckler ◽  
Lynn Huestegge
Keyword(s):  
Discrimination Task ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Discrimination Performance ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Gaze Direction ◽  
Backward Masking ◽  
Gaze Perception ◽  
Direct Gaze ◽  
Averted Gaze

Abstract Human eye gaze conveys an enormous amount of socially relevant information, and the rapid assessment of gaze direction is of particular relevance in order to adapt behavior accordingly. Specifically, previous research demonstrated evidence for an advantage of processing direct (vs. averted) gaze. The present study examined discrimination performance for gaze direction (direct vs. averted) under controlled presentation conditions: Using a backward-masking gaze-discrimination task, photographs of faces with direct and averted gaze were briefly presented, followed by a mask stimulus. Additionally, effects of facial context on gaze discrimination were assessed by either presenting gaze direction in isolation (i.e., by only showing the eye region) or in the context of an upright or inverted face. Across three experiments, we consistently observed a facial context effect with highest discrimination performance for faces presented in upright position, lower performance for inverted faces, and lowest performance for eyes presented in isolation. Additionally, averted gaze was generally responded to faster and with higher accuracy than direct gaze, indicating an averted-gaze advantage. Overall, the results suggest that direct gaze is not generally associated with processing advantages, thereby highlighting the important role of presentation conditions and task demands in gaze perception.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of Eye Gaze Perception during Infancy

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1320-1326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Farroni ◽  
Mark H. Johnson ◽  
Gergely Csibra
Keyword(s):  
Eye Gaze ◽  
Gaze Direction ◽  
Cortical Processing ◽  
Gaze Perception ◽  
Direct Gaze ◽  
Averted Gaze

Previous work has shown that infants are sensitive to the direction of gaze of another's face, and that gaze direction can cue attention. The present study replicates and extends results on the ERP correlates of gaze processing in 4-month-olds. In two experiments, we recorded ERPs while 4-month-olds viewed direct and averted gaze within the context of averted and inverted heads. Our results support the previous finding that cortical processing of faces in infants is enhanced when accompanied by direct gaze. However, this effect is only found when eyes are presented within the context of an upright face.

scholarly journals Emotional Gaze: The Effects of Gaze Direction on the Perception of Facial Emotions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Liang ◽  
Yu-Qing Zou ◽  
Si-Yi Liang ◽  
Yu-Wei Wu ◽  
Wen-Jing Yan
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Expression ◽  
Gaze Direction ◽  
Behavioral Intent ◽  
Similar Investigation ◽  
Facial Emotions ◽  
Direct Gaze ◽  
Specific Emotion ◽  
Happy Mood ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Averted Gaze

Previous research has found that when gaze direction matches the underlying behavioral intent communicated by the expression of a specific emotion, it enhances or facilitates the perception of that emotion; this is called the shared signal hypothesis (SSH). Specifically, a direct gaze shares an approach-orientated signal with the emotions of anger and joy, whereas an averted gaze shares an avoidance-orientated signal with fear and sadness. In this research, we attempted to verify the SSH by using different materials on Asian participants. In Experiment 1 we employed photos of models exhibiting direct and averted gazes for rating tasks, in order to study the effects of gaze direction on participants’ perception of emotion. In Experiment 2 we utilized smiling faces in a similar investigation. The results show that for neutral and smiling faces, a direct gaze (relative to a gaze of avoidance) increased the likelihood of a subject perceiving a happy mood; a gaze of avoidance increased the likelihood that anger and fear would be perceived. The effect of gaze direction on emotional expression perception was verified, but a “facilitating-impairing” pattern was not. The difference between our work and previous research may be attributable to the materials employed (which were more ecological), as well as the participants, who were from a different culture.

scholarly journals Neurodynamics and connectivity during facial fear perception: The role of threat exposure and signal congruity

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cody Cushing ◽  
Hee Yeon Im ◽  
Reginald B. Adams ◽  
Noreen Ward ◽  
Daniel N. Albohn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Face Processing ◽  
Eye Gaze ◽  
Phase Locking ◽  
Gaze Direction ◽  
Stimulus Exposure ◽  
Direct Gaze ◽  
Fearful Faces ◽  
Threat Cues ◽  
Averted Gaze

AbstractFearful faces convey threat cues whose meaning is contextualized by eye gaze: While averted gaze is congruent with facial fear (both signal avoidance), direct gaze is incongruent with it, as direct gaze signals approach. We have previously shown using fMRI that the amygdala is engaged more strongly by fear with averted gaze, which has been found to be processed more efficiently, during brief exposures. However, the amygdala also responds more to fear with direct gaze during longer exposures. Here we examined previously unexplored brain oscillatory responses to characterize the neurodynamics and connectivity during brief (∼250 ms) and longer (∼883 ms) exposures of fearful faces with direct or averted eye gaze. We replicated the exposure time by gaze direction interaction in fMRI (N=23), and observed greater early phase locking to averted-gaze fear (congruent threat signal) with MEG (N=60) in a network of face processing regions, with both brief and longer exposures. Phase locking to direct-gaze fear (incongruent threat signal) then increased significantly for brief exposures at ∼350 ms, and at ∼700 ms for longer exposures. Our results characterize the stages of congruent and incongruent facial threat signal processing and show that stimulus exposure strongly affects the onset and duration of these stages.

Somatosensory Anticipatory Alpha Activity Increases to Suppress Distracting Input

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 677-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia Haegens ◽  
Lisa Luther ◽  
Ole Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Discrimination Task ◽  
Discrimination Performance ◽  
Alpha Activity ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Alpha Band ◽  
Stimulus Detection ◽  
Engagement And Disengagement ◽  
Band Activity

Effective processing of sensory input in daily life requires attentional selection and amplification of relevant input and, just as importantly, attenuation of irrelevant information. It has been proposed that top–down modulation of oscillatory alpha band activity (8–14 Hz) serves to allocate resources to various regions, depending on task demands. In previous work, we showed that contralateral somatosensory alpha activity decreases to facilitate processing of an anticipated target stimulus in a tactile discrimination task. In the current study, we asked whether somatosensory alpha activity is also modulated when expecting incoming distracting stimuli on the nonattended side. We hypothesized that an ipsilateral increase of alpha to suppress distracters would be required for optimal task performance. We recorded magneto-encephalography while subjects performed a tactile stimulus discrimination task where a cue directed attention either to their left or right hand. Distracters were presented simultaneously to the unattended hand. We found that alpha power contralateral to the attended hand decreased, whereas ipsilateral alpha power increased. In addition, posterior alpha power showed a general increase. Importantly, these three alpha components all contributed to discrimination performance. This study further extends the notion that alpha band activity is involved in shaping the functional architecture of the working brain by determining the engagement and disengagement of specific regions: Contralateral alpha decreases to facilitate stimulus detection, whereas ipsilateral alpha increases when active suppression of distracters is required. Importantly, the ipsilateral alpha increase is crucial for optimal task performance.

scholarly journals Integrating Gaze Direction and Sexual Dimorphism of Face Shape When Perceiving the Dominance of Others

Perception ◽  
10.1068/p6347 ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. 1275-1283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie C Main ◽  
Benedict C Jones ◽  
Lisa M DeBruine ◽  
Anthony C Little
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Social Perception ◽  
Gaze Direction ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Facial Cues ◽  
Direct Gaze ◽  
Face Shape ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Averted Gaze ◽  
Gaze Cues

Although gaze direction and face shape have each been shown to affect perceptions of the dominance of others, the question whether gaze direction and face shape have independent main effects on perceptions of dominance, and whether these effects interact, has not yet been studied. To investigate this issue, we compared dominance ratings of faces with masculinised shapes and direct gaze, masculinised shapes and averted gaze, feminised shapes and direct gaze, and feminised shapes and averted gaze. While faces with direct gaze were generally rated as more dominant than those with averted gaze, this effect of gaze direction was greater when judging faces with masculinised shapes than when judging faces with feminised shapes. Additionally, faces with masculinised shapes were rated as more dominant than those with feminised shapes when faces were presented with direct gaze, but not when faces were presented with averted gaze. Collectively, these findings reveal an interaction between the effects of gaze direction and sexually dimorphic facial cues on judgments of the dominance of others, presenting novel evidence for the existence of complex integrative processes that underpin social perception of faces. Integrating information from face shape and gaze cues may increase the efficiency with which we perceive the dominance of others.

Effect of the model eye gaze direction on consumer information processing: a consideration of gender differences

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 1403-1420
Author(s):  
Qiuzhen Wang ◽  
Lan Ma ◽  
Liqiang Huang ◽  
Lei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Eye Gaze ◽  
Consumer Information ◽  
Gaze Direction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Direct Gaze ◽  
Female Consumers ◽  
Averted Gaze

PurposeThe purpose of this paper aims to investigate the effect of a model's eye gaze direction on the information processing behavior of consumers varying based on their gender.Design/methodology/approachAn eye-tracking experiment and a memory test are conducted to test the research hypotheses.FindingsCompared to an averted gaze, a model with a direct gaze attracts more attention to the model's face among male consumers, leading to deeper processing. However, the findings show that when a model displays a direct gaze rather than an averted gaze, female consumers pay more attention to the brand name, thus leading to deeper processing.Originality/valueThis study contributes to not only the existing eye gaze direction literature by integrating the facilitative effect of direct gaze and considering the moderating role of consumer gender on consumer information processing but also the literature concerning the selectivity hypothesis by providing evidence of gender differences in information processing. Moreover, this study offers practical insights to practitioners regarding how to design appealing webpages to satisfy consumers of different genders.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-01-2020-0025

scholarly journals Sclera color in humans facilitates gaze perception during daytime and nighttime

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0249137
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Yorzinski ◽  
Amy Harbourne ◽  
William Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Light Conditions ◽  
Gaze Perception ◽  
Direct Gaze ◽  
Eye Morphology ◽  
Environmental Light ◽  
Averted Gaze

Species vary widely in the conspicuousness of their eye morphology and this could influence gaze perception. Eyes with conspicuous morphology can enhance gaze perception while eyes with camouflaged morphology may hinder gaze perception. While evidence suggests that conspicuous eye morphology enhances gaze perception, little is known about how environmental conditions affect this interaction. Thus, we investigated whether environmental light conditions affect gaze perception. Human subjects (Homo sapiens) were instructed to find direct-gaze faces within arrays of averted-gaze faces or to find averted-gaze faces within arrays of directed-gaze faces. The faces were displayed under conditions simulating nighttime or daytime conditions. Furthermore, the faces had naturally-colored sclera (white) or modified sclera (same color as the iris). Participants were fastest and most accurate in detecting faces during the daytime and nighttime conditions when the sclera were naturally-colored. Participants were worst at detecting faces with modified sclera during the nighttime conditions. These results suggest that eyes with conspicuous morphology enhance gaze perception during both daytime and nighttime conditions.

scholarly journals Enhanced detection of gaze toward an object: Sociocognitive influences on visual search

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayantara Ramamoorthy ◽  
Oliver Jamieson ◽  
Nahiyan Imaan ◽  
Kate Plaisted-Grant ◽  
Greg Davis
Keyword(s):  
Visual Search ◽  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Building Block ◽  
Eye Gaze ◽  
Spatial Relationship ◽  
Human Vision ◽  
Gaze Direction ◽  
Direct Gaze ◽  
Socially Relevant ◽  
Averted Gaze

Abstract Another person’s gaze direction is a rich source of social information, especially eyes gazing toward prominent or relevant objects. To guide attention to these important stimuli, visual search mechanisms may incorporate sophisticated coding of eye-gaze and its spatial relationship to other objects. Alternatively, any guidance might reflect the action of simple perceptual ‘templates’ tuned to visual features of socially relevant objects, or intrinsic salience of direct-gazing eyes for human vision. Previous findings that direct gaze (toward oneself) is prioritised over averted gaze do not distinguish between these accounts. To resolve this issue, we compared search for eyes gazing toward a prominent object versus gazing away, finding more efficient search for eyes ‘gazing toward’ the object. This effect was most clearly seen in target-present trials when gaze was task-relevant. Visual search mechanisms appear to specify gazer-object relations, a computational building-block of theory of mind.

scholarly journals Are You “Gazing” at Me? How Others' Gaze Direction and Facial Expression Influence Gaze Perception and Postural Control

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angélique Lebert ◽  
Laurence Chaby ◽  
Amandine Guillin ◽  
Samuel Chekroun ◽  
Dorine Vergilino-Perez
Keyword(s):  
Facial Expression ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Gaze Direction ◽  
Gaze Perception ◽  
Direct Gaze ◽  
Approach Avoidance

In everyday life, interactions between humans are generally modulated by the value attributed to the situation, which partly relies on the partner's behavior. A pleasant or cooperating partner may trigger an approach behavior in the observer, while an unpleasant or threatening partner may trigger an avoidance behavior. In this context, the correct interpretation of other's intentions is crucial to achieve satisfying social interactions. Social cues such as gaze direction and facial expression are both fundamental and interrelated. Typically, whenever gaze direction and facial expression of others communicate the same intention, it enhances both the interlocutor's gaze direction and the perception of facial expressions (i.e., shared signal hypothesis). For instance, an angry face with a direct gaze is perceived as more intense since it represents a threat to the observer. In this study, we propose to examine how the combination of others' gaze direction (direct or deviated) and emotional facial expressions (i.e., happiness, fear, anger, sadness, disgust, and neutrality) influence the observer's gaze perception and postural control. Gaze perception was indexed by the cone of direct gaze (CoDG) referring to the width over which an observer feels someone's gaze is directed at them. A wider CoDG indicates that the observer perceived the face as looking at them over a wider range of gaze directions. Conversely, a narrower CoDG indicates a decrease in the range of gaze directions perceived as direct. Postural control was examined through the center of pressure displacements reflecting postural stability and approach-avoidance tendencies. We also investigated how both gaze perception and postural control may vary according to participants' personality traits and emotional states (e.g., openness, anxiety, etc.). Our results confirmed that gaze perception is influenced by emotional faces: a wider CoDGs was observed with angry and disgusted faces while a narrower CoDG was observed for fearful faces. Furthermore, facial expressions combined with gaze direction influence participants' postural stability but not approach-avoidance behaviors. Results are discussed in the light of the approach-avoidance model, by considering how some personality traits modulate the relation between emotion and posture.

Salt discriminability is related to number of regenerated taste buds after chorda tympani nerve section in rats

1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (1) ◽  
pp. R141-R153 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. St John ◽  
S. Markison ◽  
A. C. Spector
Keyword(s):  
Discrimination Task ◽  
Discrimination Performance ◽  
Taste Buds ◽  
Chorda Tympani ◽  
Chorda Tympani Nerve ◽  
Nerve Section ◽  
Regeneration Experiment

Transection of the chorda tympani nerve (CTX) impairs taste-guided discrimination of NaCl from KCl in rats. We wanted to determine whether this discrimination recovers after chorda tympani regeneration. Experiment 1 showed that few taste buds regenerated 14 days after CTX, whereas substantial regeneration occurred 42 days after surgery. Experiment 2 demonstrated that rats trained before CTX could clearly discriminate the two salts when tested starting 49 days after surgery, whereas rats tested starting 8 days after surgery were severely impaired in this task. Rats tested starting 28 days after CTX were unimpaired, moderately impaired, or severely impaired on the discrimination task. Overall, discrimination performance was significantly related to the number of regenerated taste buds. Unilaterally transected rats tested shortly after surgery were nearly as competent as controls. These results indicate that rats can recover the ability to discriminate NaCl from KCl after regeneration of anterior tongue taste buds.

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