Date of Graduation

Summer 7-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Thesis Chair

Dawn R. Weatherford

Abstract

This study investigated a possible bias in face-matching and ID-screening decision making- color incongruity (i.e., one face image presented in color and one in grayscale). Expanding on previous research, the 2x2 mixed methods experiment incorporated eye tracking measures (i.e., fixations). Participants N= 25 were randomly assigned to compare color or grayscale IDs (between groups comparison) to a 10 s color video of a person moving their head side to side. The task consisted of 2 practice and 48 face-matching trials with medium prevalence (MP, 24 match, 24 mismatch) presented as one of four pseudo-random and counterbalanced orders. Signal detection indices (discriminability (d′) and response bias (c)) calculated by participant showed no significant difference between groups. However, ANOVAs for fixation count and duration indicated a significant interaction of congruence and area of interest (AOI). These findings suggested that color IDs and face area AOIs increase fixation count and duration.

Available for download on Wednesday, July 15, 2026

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