Dynamics of Facial Recall

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to examine some of the dynamic properties of facial memory, particularly facial recall. Most research to date on face memory has employed recognition as opposed to recall procedures. One reason for this emphasis is that while facial recognition is a frequent, everday activity, facial recall or description of someone is much less common. Hence, the study of facial recognition processes has ecological validity. A second reason is essentially methodological. How does one adequately assess facial memory through recall? Having witnesses provide drawings presents the problem of artistic skills. Having witnesses provide verbal descriptions presents the problem of describing a complex spatial configuration. In both cases, the difficulties at the response level precludes knowing whether the witness possesses more facial information than shown in the resulting external representation.