EEG correlates of categorical and graded face perception

► In this study we probe the neural correlates of face perception using ERPs. ► Unique stimulus set contained images that varied on a continuum of “faceness”. ► The N170 component exhibited steep selectivity: larger for faces than all non-faces. ► Single-trial classification of whole waveform revealed sensitivity to graded face similarity. ► Visual system shows both graded and selective response to faces.