Towards a quantitative metric of facial scarring by analyzing qualitative descriptions D Simmons, L Spence |
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School of Psychology, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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| The surgical correction of cleft lip in infancy leaves a distinctive pattern of scarring on the upper lip. In previous studies we have attempted to characterize these scars using machine vision algorithms and consensus coding by lay observers [Simmons et al, Perception 40, ECVP Supplement, 155]. In this study we have augmented these data using a qualitative approach. Thirteen lay observers (i.e. no previous interest in surgery or facial scarring) examined 87 images of the top lips of children who had previously had corrective surgery. They were asked to describe the images in their own words. These descriptions were recorded and then analyzed to identify the key perceptual dimensions of scarring. The dimensions identified in the descriptions were: colour, shape, texture, visibility, severity and empathy. Colour was by far the most frequently-used descriptor, with over 600 descriptions in total; shape, texture and visibility were each used 300-400 times. By using intensity data also supplied by participants it was possible to rank the scars on dimensions like redness, whiteness, smoothness and indentedness. These dimensions can therefore form the basis for a quantitative characterization of facial scars. This technique has implications for characterization of visual appearance in many other applications. |
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