Replication Data for: Gene-environment interactions in other-race face recognition

The other-race face recognition deficit is a robust finding in the literature on facial processing in humans. Although previous models of the other-race effect have proposed the role of experience and interracial contact, genetics have not been examined in the context of other-race face recognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene-environment interaction between early caregiving experience and with other-race face recognition in adults. Eighty-nine Singaporean adults were recruited and information on their early caregiving experiences was collected. Genotyping of the rs53576 oxytocin receptor gene in participants was also conducted. Participants completed a visual categorization task where they had to identify the race of face stimuli (Chinese or Javanese) and the time taken for participants to categorise the faces was measured. A significant main effect of early caregiving experience was found where reaction time was significantly slower in individuals with no other-race caregiving experience than individuals with who had other-race caregiving experience. In addition, only non-G carriers of rs53576 with no caregiving experience had a significantly slower reaction time compared to non-G carriers with other-race caregivers. This was not observed in G carriers, indicating a gene-environment interaction. These results highlight the role of early interracial contact on other-race face recognition and its interaction with genetics. Future studies can employ a longitudinal design for further insight into this gene-environment across development.