ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we look at the basics of the science and methods of face perception research. We begin by considering what kinds of information we might use: these include normal errors and mistakes, persistent errors due to brain injury, reaction times for carrying out different tasks, habituation, and adaptation. Techniques for manipulating visual images in systematic ways will also be described; these have had a revolutionary impact on what can be investigated, and in this context we discuss some of the basic processing in the visual system which contributes to face perception. To provide background to theories of face perception, we introduce some basic principles of functional and computational modelling. Finally, we discuss another area in which there has been immense progress – brain imaging. Structural brain imaging with MRI and measures of brain function based on haemodynamics or electrophysiology will be introduced, and we review where they fit in the broader picture of face research.
