Research Output
Four heads are better than one: combining face composites yields improvements in face likeness.
  Four participants constructed face composites, of familiar and unfamiliar targets, using Pro-Fit, with reference images present or from memory. The "mean" of all 4 composites, created by morphing (4-morph) was rated as a better likeness than individual composites on average and was as good as the best individual likeness. When participants attempted to identify targets from line-ups, 4-morphs again performed as well as the best individual composite. In a second experiment, participants familiar with target women attempted to identify composites, and the trend showed better recognition from multiple composites, whether combined or shown together. In a line-up task with unfamiliar participants, 4-morphs produced most correct choices and fewest false positives from target-absent or target-present arrays. These results have practical implications for the way evidence from different witnesses is used in police investigations.

  • Type:

    Article

  • Date:

    01 October 2002

  • Publication Status:

    Published

  • Publisher

    American Psychological Association

  • DOI:

    10.1037/0021-9010.87.5.894

  • Cross Ref:

    2002-04478-008

  • ISSN:

    0021-9010

  • Library of Congress:

    BF Psychology

  • Dewey Decimal Classification:

    152 Perception, movement, emotions & drives

Citation

Bruce, V., Ness, H., Hancock, P. J. B., Newman, C., & Rarity, J. (2002). Four heads are better than one: combining face composites yields improvements in face likeness. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87(5), 894-902. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.87.5.894

Keywords

PRO-fit; face composites; 4-morph; line-ups; facial recognition;

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