Abstract
Since over a decade, research into superior face recognition and individual differences encompassing the whole range of face cognition ability has enjoyed significant attention amongst researchers in the field. Early work with super-recognisers was modelled on existing literature with developmental-prosopagnosics (DPs) and mostly adopted single-case approach to measuring unique processes associated with superior skill. These early studies used rigid, but often narrow definitions of SRs and largely ignored the individual differences within the control population, even though the performance on various tests often overlapped with the SRs. In this talk, I will outline the approach used in my work with small groups of SRs, initial attempt at measuring individual differences in large groups of typical perceivers, attempts at devising self-report measures capturing the superior face cognition ability, and my recent work with large groups of laboratory and online participants quantifying consistency in performance and patterns of performance across several measures. This most recent work points to inconsistency in performance between participants, even with procedurally identical tasks, suggesting that the generalizability of commonly used measures is severely limited. I will conclude by making recommendations for individual differences research in face cognition pertaining to reliability, analysis, and conclusions drawn from studies with typical perceivers.