Face Identification, Cross‐Race

Abstract

The cross‐race effect (CRE) refers to the phenomenon in which own‐race faces are remembered better than other‐race faces. Although this effect has been examined for over 30 years, an adequate theoretical explanation has not yet been discerned. This article reviews the most prevalent theories trying to explain the CRE and differences in face processing for own‐ and other‐race faces. Specifically, we discuss perceptual expertise models, social‐cognitive models, and differences in configural processing for own‐ and other‐race faces.