Beyond dyadic joint action – How do larger groups synchronize actions?

TY - ABST

T1 - Beyond dyadic joint action – How do larger groups synchronize actions?

AU - Zamm, Anna

AU - Kappel, Simon L.

AU - Konvalinka, Ivana

AU - Debener, Stefan

AU - Kidmose, Preben

PY - 2025/7/8

Y1 - 2025/7/8

N2 - Humans regularly synchronize actions with one another in large groups, from team sports to ensemble music-making to dance troops. However, until recently dyads have been the primary focus of social neuroscience research. Here we aim to move beyond the dyad in a study investigating how dynamics of interpersonal synchrony change with increasing group size. Group music-making is used as an empirical model of synchrony, due to the cross-cultural ubiquity and high level of coordination required. Specifically, we measured dynamics of synchronization from multiple groups of varying size (10-, 6-, and 4-persons) while they produced musical rhythms in synchrony using a novel "tapping orchestra" platform. In this platform, each group member regularly tapped on a sensor to produce the next tone in a musical sequence. Sensory (visual) feedback and leadership roles were manipulated to investigate how these factors – both known to critically contribute to dynamics of dyadic interaction – shape larger group interaction. Multi-brain electroencephalography (EEG) was also recorded to enable investigation of underlying neural mechanisms supporting group synchrony. EEG data quality validations will be presented, and comparisons of behavioral synchronization – measured as musical tone onset asynchronies – will be presented to reveal how synchronization dynamics scale beyond the dyad.

AB - Humans regularly synchronize actions with one another in large groups, from team sports to ensemble music-making to dance troops. However, until recently dyads have been the primary focus of social neuroscience research. Here we aim to move beyond the dyad in a study investigating how dynamics of interpersonal synchrony change with increasing group size. Group music-making is used as an empirical model of synchrony, due to the cross-cultural ubiquity and high level of coordination required. Specifically, we measured dynamics of synchronization from multiple groups of varying size (10-, 6-, and 4-persons) while they produced musical rhythms in synchrony using a novel "tapping orchestra" platform. In this platform, each group member regularly tapped on a sensor to produce the next tone in a musical sequence. Sensory (visual) feedback and leadership roles were manipulated to investigate how these factors – both known to critically contribute to dynamics of dyadic interaction – shape larger group interaction. Multi-brain electroencephalography (EEG) was also recorded to enable investigation of underlying neural mechanisms supporting group synchrony. EEG data quality validations will be presented, and comparisons of behavioral synchronization – measured as musical tone onset asynchronies – will be presented to reveal how synchronization dynamics scale beyond the dyad.

UR - https://www.intobrain.it/en/jam-x/scientific-program/

M3 - Conference abstract for conference

T2 - Joint Action Meeting (JAM) X

Y2 - 9 July 2025 through 12 July 2025

ER -