What functional brain studies have revealed about face and facial expression perception?

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Abstract

The models of face perception mechanisms have been substantially extended recently by the results obtained with functional brain mapping studies. The current paper reviews the studies that help to define more precisely the functional organization of the distributed facial system. We explore the issue of independence versus interrelation of face identification and expression recognition; compare the mechanisms of static and dynamic faces perception, as well as face-in-context perception. We emphasize the importance of higher ecological validity of face perception and its brain mechanisms.

General Information

Keywords: fMRI, face perception, facial expressions, dynamic expression, face in context, FFA, STS, OFA, distributed brain system for face perception

Journal rubric: Neurosciences and Cognitive Studies

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2016050404

For citation: Korolkova O.A. What functional brain studies have revealed about face and facial expression perception? [Elektronnyi resurs]. Sovremennaia zarubezhnaia psikhologiia = Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology, 2016. Vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 36–49. DOI: 10.17759/jmfp.2016050404. (In Russ., аbstr. in Engl.)

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Information About the Authors

Olga A. Korolkova, PhD in Psychology, professor, Leading Research Associate, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Moscow State University of Psychology & Education, Moscow, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4814-7266, e-mail: olga.kurakova@gmail.com

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