Why might individuals exhibit own-race bias in face recognition?

Individuals exhibit own-race bias in face recognition primarily because of cultural exposure. This phenomenon occurs when people show a tendency to recognize faces of their own race more accurately than those of other races. This bias stems from the interactions and experiences individuals have within their own racial and cultural groups from an early age.

Through frequent exposures to faces of their own race, individuals develop a heightened sensitivity and improved skills in recognizing subtle features and differences among those faces. In contrast, less exposure to faces from other racial groups may hinder the ability to recognize these individuals accurately, resulting in a bias.

Cultural factors, including social interactions, media representation, and community dynamics, all contribute to shaping how effectively one can recognize faces of different races. The more familiar one is with a particular racial group, the more adept they are at distinguishing individuals among that group. This bias is not universal and can vary across different cultural contexts, supporting the notion that it is influenced by one's experiences in their environment rather than being solely biological or innate.