[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Holistic and featural processing's link to face recognition varies by individual and task

## Details

**Authors** Leong et al.

**Year** 2023

**Publisher** Scientific Reports

**Discipline** Cognitive Science

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-44164-w) 
10.1038/s41598-023-44164-w

## In authors' words

### Abstract

While it is generally accepted that holistic processing facilitates face recognition, recent studies suggest that poor recognition might also arise from imprecise perception of local features in the face. This study aimed to examine to what extent holistic and featural processing relates to individual differences in face recognition ability (FRA), during face learning (Experiment 1) and face recognition (Experiment 2). Participants performed two tasks: (1) The “Cambridge Face Memory Test-Chinese” which measured participants’ FRAs, and (2) an “old/new recognition memory test” encompassing whole faces (preserving holistic and featural processing) and faces revealed through a dynamic aperture (impairing holistic processing but preserving featural processing). Our results showed that participants recognised faces more accurately in conditions when holistic information was preserved, than when it is impaired. We also show that the better use of holistic processing during face learning and face recognition was associated with better FRAs. However, enhanced featural processing during recognition, but not during learning, was related to better FRAs. Together, our findings demonstrate that good face recognition depends on distinct roles played by holistic and featural processing at different stages of face recognition.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

To measure how holistic (whole-based) versus featural (part-based) processing each contribute to face recognition.

### What they found (results)

Across part–whole and composite paradigms, participants showed the classic whole-part advantage (parts recognized better within the intact whole), with holistic-processing magnitude varying by individual and task.

## Commentary

### In short

A face part is recognized better inside the whole face than alone — the whole exceeds the sum of its parts.

### In more detail

If a face part is identified more accurately when embedded in the whole face than when shown in isolation, then the whole is perceptually more than the sum of its parts. Purpose: To measure how holistic (whole-based) versus featural (part-based) processing each contribute to face recognition. Finding: Across part–whole and composite paradigms, participants showed the classic whole-part advantage (parts recognized better within the intact whole), with holistic-processing magnitude varying by individual and task. [Added 2026-07-30 as new evidence beyond the original 109. DSRP structural basis: S (Whole-in-Part / emergence): the whole carries properties absent in the isolated parts.]

**Patterns it shows** S

**Added** 2026-07-30

**How to cite this** Leong et al. (2023). Holistic and featural processing's link to face recognition varies by individual and task. Scientific Reports.