Associating Facial Symmetry to Enhanced Memory Retention

Material Information

Title:
Associating Facial Symmetry to Enhanced Memory Retention
Creator:
Justine Mahler
Publisher:
Penfield Library
Publication Date:

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Facial Symmetry
Memory Sensitivity

Notes

Abstract:
Being able to recognize and recall faces of others has been particularly significant to human life throughout history. It is a skill we often overlook and take for granted, but without this ability, reproductive success, and therefore fitness value, would be drastically reduced. Facial recognition and memory are particularly reproductively relevant because it allows us to recognize potential mates and differentiate them from others, such as kin or relatives. This study focuses on uncovering effects on recognition and memory when observing faces of varying attractiveness. If attractiveness is strongly encoded in memory, then we expect to see faces rated higher in attractiveness to be more efficiently remembered in a memory test when compared to faces rated with a lower attractiveness score. To test this, participants were first shown a series of faces and asked questions relating to their attractiveness, such as whether they would’ve been comfortable approaching this person or if they felt this person was friendly or intelligent. After completing the attractiveness rating portion, participants were then subject to an unrelated questionnaire before given an unanticipated memory test on the faces. This memory test consisted of a second series of faces that contained some of the same facial images previously shown and some new facial images. Participants were then asked for each image if they recalled seeing the given face earlier. The results will either support or contradict the hypothesis that faces rated with a higher attractiveness will be better encoded in memory than faces rated with a lower attractiveness.
Acquisition:
Collected for SUNY Oswego Institutional Repository by the online self-submittal tool. Submitted by Justine Mahler.

Record Information

Source Institution:
SUNY Oswego Institutional Repository
Holding Location:
SUNY Oswego Institution
Rights Management:
All applicable rights reserved by the source institution and holding location.