Objective Neural Markers of Identity Familiarization via Passive Exposure and Fast Periodic Visual Stimulation EEG.

Overview

1. Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Media & Knowledge Sciences, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta
2. Bern University of Applied Sciences, Applied Face Cognition Laboratory, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Business School, Bern 3005, Switzerland
3. Association of Independent Research, Zürich 8037, Switzerland

Abstract

Despite a wealth of information provided by face perception research, the neural processes by which unfamiliar faces become familiar—particularly via passive exposure—remain poorly understood. Here, we introduce a novel fast periodic visual stimulation electroencephalography (FPVS-EEG) paradigm designed to objectively track neural familiarization. Specifically, our paradigm measures the emergence of implicit face-identity familiarity during brief, passive repetition learning, without requiring explicit recognition or task engagement. The paradigm uses ecologically valid stimuli incorporating image variations characteristic of forensic material. We tested 28 (18 females) healthy human volunteers including neurotypical civilians and law enforcement professionals, all with typical face-processing abilities. Neural responses were measured to a 1 Hz tagged oddball identity embedded within a 6 Hz stream of changing base images, using high-quality mugshot and CCTV-like stimuli. Results showed that neural signatures of implicit familiarity can emerge rapidly within minutes of passive exposure but only when high-quality mugshot images are used. These familiarity-related responses were characterized by concurrent neural suppression and enhancement, likely to reflect the co-occurrence of repetition detection and identity learning processes. The FPVS-EEG approach reported here provides an objective and quantifiable measure of implicit, early face learning that could complement behavioral assessments and inform future research on individual differences and applied contexts.

Reproduced under the paper's license (CC BY), from the paper cited above.

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The raw data and analysis code described in this paper are freely available online at osf.io/3gxu4. The analyses were run on a desktop PC with Windows 11.

Reproduced under the paper's license (CC BY), from the paper cited above.

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Version 3, 28 September 2026

• Funding: added Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung: 179872

Version 1, 27 September 2026: the first record

Recorded: type, language, journal, volume, issue, pages, dates, 4 authors, 5 keywords, 12 MeSH terms, 104 references.

Cite

This paper

Nguyen, T. T. N., Ficco, L., Thornton, I. M., & Ramon, M. (2026). Objective Neural Markers of Identity Familiarization via Passive Exposure and Fast Periodic Visual Stimulation EEG. eNeuro, 13(9), ENEURO.0328-25.2026. https://doi.org/10.1523/eneuro.0328-25.2026

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