Development of a New Zealand famous faces test

Abstract

The assessment of face recognition plays an important role in research of face processing and as an indicator of different types of neuropsychological damage including, prosopagnosia, dementia, anomia and other forms of damage to the brain. There are few standardised tests available however, and none that are relevant to the New Zealand population. The aim of the present thesis was to develop and standardize a New Zealand version of a famous faces test. 100 photos (85 famous, 15 nonfamous) were presented to 50 18-25 year olds and 50 60+ year olds. The 15 most easily recognised photos for each age group were identified. The number of these 15 that 90% of the group could name was then calculated to form norms. While no sex differences were observed, the number of famous faces named or identified was positively correlated with NART IQ for the 18-25 age group, and negatively correlated with increasing age within the 60+ group. Some qualitative observations were also made. Possible uses of the test and norms were then outlined. It is suggested that the test could be used in a clinical setting as a brief, easy to administer, screening test for neuropsychological difficulties associated with face processing impairments in prosopagnosia, dementia, anomia, and other conditions. Results from the use of the test can guide the clinician as to areas in need of further assessment and more specific testing. Further development of the test would enable it to be more broadly applied as a research tool.