Cited by 426Face Recognition and PerceptionEvolutionary Psychology and Human BehaviorFace recognition and analysis

Evaluating face trustworthiness: a model based approach

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Todorov, Alexander, Baron, Sean G., Oosterhof, Nikolaas N.·2008·Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience

Abstract

Judgments of trustworthiness from faces determine basic approach/avoidance responses and approximate the valence evaluation of faces that runs across multiple person judgments. Here, based on trustworthiness judgments and using a computer model for face representation, we built a model for representing face trustworthiness (study 1). Using this model, we generated novel faces with an increased range of trustworthiness and used these faces as stimuli in a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging study (study 2). Although participants did not engage in explicit evaluation of the faces, the amygdala response changed as a function of face trustworthiness. An area in the right amygdala showed a negative linear response-as the untrustworthiness of faces increased so did the amygdala response. Areas in the left and right putamen, the latter area extended into the anterior insula, showed a similar negative linear response. The response in the left amygdala was quadratic--strongest for faces on both extremes of the trustworthiness dimension. The medial prefrontal cortex and precuneus also showed a quadratic response, but their response was strongest to faces in the middle range of the trustworthiness dimension.

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  • During social interactions, people make rapid judgments about new people that determine whether to approach or avoid and shape future interactions with them.

    “During social interactions, we make rapid judgments about new people that determine whether to approach or avoid and shape our future interactions with them (21).”

    From Oxytocin, the peptide that bonds the sexes also divides them (2016) · cites this paper as [21]

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  1. Uleman, J.S., Blader, S., Todorov, A. (2005). Implicit impressions. In: Hassin, R., Uleman, J.S., Bargh, J.A., editors. The New Unconscious . New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 362 -92.

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Authors
Todorov, A., Baron, S. G., & Oosterhof, N. N.
Affiliations
Princeton University (US)
Venue
Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience
Published
2008-03-26
Volume
3
Issue
2
Pages
119-127
ISSN
  • 1749-5016 (ISSN-L)
  • 1749-5024
OpenAlex
W2108296178
Cited by
426
References
44
Citations by year
2026: 16 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 26 · 2023: 24 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 34 · 2020: 29 · 2019: 24 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 21 · 2016: 20 · 2015: 23 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 23 · 2012: 25
FWCI
9.68
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Science Foundation (0446846)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Face Recognition and Perception
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition › Face recognition and analysis
Keywords
trustworthiness judgments, face perception, putamen, anterior insula, medial prefrontal cortex, precuneus, approach-avoidance behavior
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Amygdala, Brain, Computer Simulation, Facial Expression, Female, Humans, Judgment, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Models, Neurological, Pattern Recognition, Visual, Putamen, Social Behavior, Social Perception, Prefrontal Cortex, Recognition, Psychology, Trust, Young Adult

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