Modulation of facial processing by identity information in a face similarity evaluation task

We used a face similarity task with event-related potentials (ERPs) in a study conducted with 22 individuals in order to examine the processing of identity information. During the evaluation task, significant variations in the late negative potential were elicited by different identity contexts of couples versus strangers. By contrast, the face-specific N170 component was not significantly affected by variations in identity context. In addition, participants’ behavioral data were significantly influenced by the task instructions, but not by the true relationship of the couple. Together, ERP and behavioral results suggest that the evaluation of face similarity with identity information occurs at a later stage.