Edinburgh Napier University

  Super-recognisers (SR) have superior facial recognition skills and consistently outperform non-SR in facial recognition experiments. However, as well as performance in experiments, SR in the real-world would require the ability to avoid bias, which may be introduced through context (knowledge of the decisions made by other SRs when investigating the same face), that might influence a decision. Previous research has shown that experts in forensic analysis are influenced by contextual information, SR may be similarly affected. The proposed study will aim to investigate if contextual information biases SR. To achieve this aim, SR will be identified by using the Cambridge Face Memory Test+, which is a valid and reliable measure of facial recognition. A 2 (bias vs. no bias) x 2 (target face absent vs. present from CCTV) x 2 (strong vs. ambiguous CCTV image) x 2 (SR vs. control) experimental design will be utilised to investigate the above aim. This project is led by The Open University.