Facial contours of an individual can give accurate clues on personality traits like propensity to indulge in crime and aptitude for a particular job, psychologists have claimed.
A study in this regard is being conducted here with sponsorship from the University Grants Commission.
A team of psychologists have come up with the theory that the human face is composed of about 270 different geometrical patterns, the size and alignment of which may determine how a particular individual is likely to behave and respond to stimuli.
“Our methodology can help trace out the real psyche of an individual, which is usually hidden beneath the manifest psyche that comes into play when he or she interacts with others and the manipulative psyche that determines the action and behaviour with a particular objective in mind,” Sheetla Prasad, who is heading the team of psychologists conducting the research, told PTI.
Prasad, who is also the Head of the Department of Psychology at the Ewing Christian College, affiliated to the Allahabad University, said the research began “almost a year ago when we approached the UGC with the idea and it got appreciated and a sanction was given.
“We began with the hypothesis that angularity of the human physiognomy gave every individual a unique look. We conducted experiments with the help of photographs of more than 500 individuals from all walks of life.”
Prasad said three photographs were taken of every individual, one from the front and one each from either side, with the camera being held at a distance of seven feet from the face.
“We would thereafter prepare detailed notes on the geometrical patterns on the face of every individual with the help of special software. People whose pictures we took for study included professionals, academicians, and even criminals undergoing trials.
“We found similarities in the size and alignment of geometrical patterns on the faces of people with similar personality traits, though it may not be visible to the naked eye.”
Prasad said, “We now intend to bring out a directory of geometrical patterns on the human face so that this methodology, which could be as effective as brain-mapping and narco-analysis, could be put to use on a larger scale.
The researchers are planning to approach the Department of Science and Technology for further assistance.
“We are hopeful of a positive response in view of the immense promise that this methodology holds in forensic investigations and personality assessment. Our presentation on the subject was also well-received at the Indian Science Congress held in Vishakhapatnam,” Prasad said.
