The resolution of face perception varies systematically across the visual field

Abstract

Visual abilities tend to vary predictably across the visual field; for simple low-level stimuli, visibility is better along the horizontal vs. vertical meridian and in the lower vs. upper visual field. In contrast, face-recognition abilities have been reported to show either distinct or entirely idiosyncratic visual-field variations, suggesting a dissociation between the spatial properties of low- and higher-level vision. To more clearly assess this link, we extended methods used in low-level vision to develop an acuity test for face perception, measuring the smallest size necessary to judge facial gender in peripheral vision. In 3 experiments, we demonstrate a clear advantage for gender acuity on the horizontal vs. vertical meridian and a smaller-but-consistent lower- vs. upper-field advantage. This pattern matches that of low-level vision, demonstrating that location systematically influences the resolution of face perception. Our findings support a hierarchical, feedforward process whereby face-processing systems inherit the spatial selectivity of early vision.