Holistic processing for faces operates over a wide range of sizes but is strongest at identification rather than conversational distances

How does holistic/configural processing, a key property of face perception, vary with distance from an observed person? Two techniques measured holistic processing in isolation from part-based contributions to face perception: salience bias to upright in transparency displays, and a difficult-to-see Mooney face. Results revealed an asymmetric inverted-U-shaped tuning to simulated observer-target distance (stimulus size and viewer-screen distance combinations). Holistic processing peaked at distances functionally relevant for identification during approach (2–10 m; equivalent head size = 6–1.3°), fell off steeply at closer distances functionally relevant for understanding emotional nuances and speech (.25–2 m), and operated over a very wide range of distances (from .46 to 23 m, 47.5–0.6°).