A facial recognition study explored the utility of two common image generation techniques—sketches and Identi-kit composites. Subjects saw an image (sketch or composite) and then attempted to select the target face in a series of photographs. The effect of image quality (goodness-of-fit of the image with the target person) was a second variable. Better images led to better recognition performance. Image type was marginally significant—sketches were better than composites. The results have implications for criminal identification systems.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
DaviesG.EllisH.ShepherdJ.Face recognition accuracy as a function of mode of representation. Journal of Applied Psychology, 1978, 64, 180–187.
2.
EllisH.ShepherdJ.DaviesG.An investigation of the use of the Photo-fit technique of recalling faces. British Journal of Psychology, 1975, 66, 29–37.
3.
LaugheryK. R.AlexanderJ. F.LaneA.B.Recognition of human faces; effects of target exposure time, target position, pose position, and type of photograph. Journal of Applied Psychology, 1971, 55, 477–483.
4.
LaugheryK. R.DuvalG. C.FowlerR. H.An analysis of procedures for generating facial images. Mug File Project Report Number UHMUG-3, university of Houston, 1977.
5.
LaugheryK. R.FesslerP. K.LenorovitzD. R.YoblickD. A.Time delay and similarity effects in facial recognition. Journal of Applied Psychology, 1974, 59, 490–496.
