The face of an angel: Effect of exposure to details of moral behavior on facial recognition memory

The Dangerous Decisions Theory (DDT; Porter & ten Brinke, 2009) posits that instantaneous perceptions of trustworthiness based on a strangerʹs face influence the manner in which ensuing information about the target is processed. This study tested a bi-directional DDT model, proposing that information concerning a targetʹs moral behavior could distort eyewitness memory for the individualʹs facial trustworthiness. Participants (N = 141) viewed a target individualʹs face (previously rated as appearing “neutral” on trustworthiness) and then were exposed to one of the three vignettes describing the targetʹs behavior (either immoral, morally neutral, or altruistic). Following a delay, observers were asked to identify the target individual on a facial morph video (continuously ranging in levels of perceived trustworthiness). Results indicated that behavioral information varying in morality influenced facial recognition memory; specifically, faces were recalled as having less trustworthy features following a disclosure of immoral/criminal behavior.