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Toward characterization of perceptual specialization for faces in Multiracial contexts
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Toward characterization of perceptual specialization for faces in Multiracial contexts

Charisse B. Pickron and Ethan Kutlu
Frontiers in psychology, Vol.15, 1392042
12/01/2024
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1392042
PMCID: PMC11649437
PMID: 39691664
url
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1392042View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

This conceptual analysis focuses on opportunities to advance research and current hypotheses of perceptual development by examining what is presently known and unknown about perceptual specialization in a Multiracial context during the first year of life. The impact of being raised in a Multiracial family or community is discussed to further characterize the development of perceptual expertise for faces and languages. Historical and present-day challenges faced by researchers in defining what race is, identifying Multiracial individuals or contexts, and how to study perceptual and cognitive processes in this population are discussed. We propose to leverage current data from developmental Multilingual populations as a guide for future research questions and hypotheses characterizing perceptual specialization based on face race for Multiracial/Multiethnic individuals and contexts. Variability of input and the pattern of specialization are two factors identified from the developmental Multilingual literature that are likely useful for studying Multiracial contexts and development. Several methodological considerations are proposed in hopes of facilitating research questions and practices that are reflective of and informed by the diversity of experiences and social complexities within Multiracial populations.
developmental multilingualism face processing infancy Multiracial populations perceptual specialization

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