20-11-2012, 01:36 PM
Eye Gaze and Person Perception
Eye Gaze and Person.ppt (Size: 5.57 MB / Downloads: 115)
Detecting Gaze in Others
Evidence shows that many species of animal have the ability to detect when something is looking at them.
Iguanas perceive the direct gaze of humans as more threatening than a direct approach with averted gaze. They are also sensitive to the size of the approaching eye - an indication of the distance a predator may be from them (Burger et al., 1991).
See also Emery (2000) for more animal examples.
The Importance of Gaze
Evidence suggests a link between gaze and emotion behaviour.
Approach oriented emotions (Joy, Love, Anger) expressed with DIRECT gaze.
Avoidence-oriented emotions (Sadness, Disgust, Embarrassment) tend to be expressed with AVERTED gaze.
Redican (1982) Direct gaze signals dominance/aggression and averted gaze signals submissive/fear displays.
Maintained stare an indication of potential social interaction (Grunau & Anston, 1995).
Development of Gaze Detection
Infants show more interest in eyes than other regions of the face (Morton & Johnson, 1991).
By the age of 4 months they can discriminate direct from averted gaze (Vecera & Johnson, 1995).
By 18 months children begin to use gaze information when the intentions of another actor’s goals are ambiguous (Phillips et al., 1992).
Into adulthood, eye gaze important for inferring the mental state of others.
Conclusion
STS in humans and non-human primates functionally important in detecting social information. We can use eye, head or body orientation information to make this attribution, but is mainly concerned with whether someone is looking at us or looking away (eat or mate).
Averted gaze increases activation in STS and also IPS (spatial attention) and network may then be an important mechanism for shared attention.
ASD show no differentiation in STS for direct vs. averted gaze and this is seen as a major factor in their failure to develop Theory of Mind (Baron Cohen, 1994). Face processing in general is characterised by negative arousal in the limbic system and this leads to reduced eye fixation time. This can explain hypoactivation of posterior occipitotemporal structures and impaired face processing.