Super‐recognizers: From the lab to the world and back again

Abstract

The recent discovery of individuals with superior face processing ability has sparked considerable interest amongst cognitive scientists and practitioners alike. These ‘Super‐recognizers’ (SRs) offer clues to the underlying processes responsible for high levels of face processing ability. It has been claimed that they can help make societies safer and fairer by improving accuracy of facial identity processing in real‐world tasks, for example when identifying suspects from Closed Circuit Television or performing security‐critical identity verification tasks. Here, we argue that the current understanding of superior face processing does not justify widespread interest in SR deployment: There are relatively few studies of SRs and no evidence that high accuracy on laboratory‐based tests translates directly to operational deployment. Using simulated data, we show that modest accuracy benefits can be expected from deploying SRs on the basis of ideally calibrated laboratory tests. Attaining more substantial benefits will require greater levels of communication and collaboration between psychologists and practitioners. We propose that translational and reverse‐translational approaches to knowledge development are critical to advance current understanding and to enable optimal deployment of SRs in society. Finally, we outline knowledge gaps that this approach can help address.

A task‐ and role‐based perspective on super‐recognizers: Commentary on ‘Super‐recognizers: From the lab to the world and back again’

“…For example, there is no single unified definition of what an SR is, and, as Ramon et al (2019) point out, no appropriate diagnostic criteria for determining whether someone is an SR or not. For example, there is no single unified definition of what an SR is, and, as Ramon et al (2019) point out, no appropriate diagnostic criteria for determining whether someone is an SR or not.…”

“…One logical place to start exploring this potential collaboration is with task analysis. This is particularly relevant given the apparent modest gains resulting from solely employing SRs that have been demonstrated by Ramon et al (2019) and Balsdon, Summersby, Kemp, & White (2018) when simulating deployment of SRs in specialist teams. By understanding what tasks professional practitioners carry out, future SR tests can be tailored to more appropriately meet the requirements of these tasks.…”

Consolidation, wider reflection, and policy: Response to ‘Super‐recognisers: From the lab to the world and back again’

“…The key issues outlined by Ramon et al (2019) also reflect professional practice more generally, beyond deployment of SRs. The key issues outlined by Ramon et al (2019) also reflect professional practice more generally, beyond deployment of SRs.…”

“…Ramon, Bobak, and White's (2019) target article 'Super-recognisers: From the lab to the world and back again' is a welcome addition to the literature at a time when consolidation, reflection, and forward planning within this field is required. They outline the need to consider human factors that could influence SR performance after selection and the need for a co-ordinated effort to ensure best practice in the implementation of SRs in applied contexts.…”

Breaking face processing tasks apart to improve their predictive value in the real world: A comment on Ramon, Bobak, and White (2019)

“…In conclusion, there will be vast mutual benefits for face recognition researchers and practitioners in the approaches proposed by Ramon et al (2019), and the years ahead are really exciting. I share the authors' hope that our understanding of human face processing will progress immensely from this endeavour, and that it will create a fairer society.…”