Using eye tracking to test for individual differences in attention to attractive faces.

Christian Valuch,Ulrich Ansorge,Bruno Laeng,Lena S Pflã¼Ger,Bernard Wallner

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00042

Christian Valuch, Ulrich Ansorge + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00042

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Abstract

We assessed individual differences in visual attention toward faces in relation to their attractiveness via saccadic reaction times. Motivated by the aim to understand individual differences in attention to faces, we tested three hypotheses: (a) Attractive faces hold or capture attention more effectively than less attractive faces; (b) men show a stronger bias toward attractive opposite-sex faces than women; and (c) blue-eyed men show a stronger bias toward blue-eyed than brown-eyed feminine faces. The latter test was included because prior research suggested a high effect size. Our data supported hypotheses (a) and (b) but not (c). By conducting separate tests for disengagement of attention and attention capture, we found that individual differences exist at distinct stages of attentional processing but these differences are of varying robustness and importance. In our conclusion, we also advocate the use of linear mixed effects models as the most appropriate statistical approach for studying inter-individual differences in visual attention with naturalistic stimuli.

Highlights

At all times, humans are capable of processing only a limited amount of their visual environment
The model for the morphed faces yielded a significant gap effect with Log-transformed SRTs (logSRTs) being significantly shorter in gap trials as compared to overlap trials, B = −1.78 × 10−1 (SE = 1.48 × 10−2), t = –12.0, p < 0.001
This model yielded a significant effect of facial attractiveness: logSRTs were significantly shorter with unattractive compared to attractive faces, B = –1.87 × 10−2 (SE = 6.94 × 10−3), t = –2.69, p = 0.007

Summary

Introduction

Humans are capable of processing only a limited amount of their visual environment. Research has demonstrated that humans spend more time looking at faces that are considered attractive than at less attractive faces (e.g., Aharon et al, 2001; Shimojo et al, 2003; Sui and Liu, 2009; Leder et al, 2010; Chen et al, 2012) These effects are not the same in all individuals: compared to women, men exhibit a higher motivation to view attractive opposite-sex faces (Levy et al, 2008; Hahn et al, 2013) and are more likely to show attentional biases toward attractive opposite-sex stimuli (Maner et al, 2003, 2007)

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