Abstract
Moving in time with others is a central characteristic of social life and has been shown to promote a host of social-cognitive attunements (e.g., person memory, affiliation, prosociality) for those involved. Less attention has been paid, however, to how the effects of coordination can serve higher-order goal-directed social behaviour. Here we explored whether interpersonal synchrony impacts performance on a collaborative problem-solving task. One hundred and ninety two participants completed a short movement exercise in pairs whereby coordination mode was manipulated (in-phase synchrony, asynchrony, control). Each pair then jointly discussed a problem-solving exercise while the degree to which coordination spontaneously emerged was assessed. The results revealed that collaboration was more effective following in-phase coordination. Of theoretical significance, both instructed and spontaneous synchrony were associated with better performance, with the short-term history of each dyad shaping precisely when coordination was functional. Overall, the synchronization of body movements appears to support effective collaboration.
Highlights
Life involves many goal-directed social interactions—complex activities that present a challenge to even the most sophisticated agent
The results revealed that collaboration was more effective following in-phase coordination
As the outcome measure of primary interest, individual LotM solutions were compared between conditions using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with baseline LOTM performance entered as a covariate
Summary
Life involves many goal-directed social interactions—complex activities that present a challenge to even the most sophisticated agent. We routinely achieve fundamental social goals (e.g., communication, affiliation, protection). Coordination functions by establishing a unitary common ground, temporarily linking individuals to form a coherent entitative whole (Lang, Bahna, Shaver, Reddish, & Xygalatas, 2017; Marsh, 2013; Schmidt & Richardson, 2008; Semin, 2007). While it can take many guises (e.g., linguistic turn-taking, behavioural mirroring, complexity matching), synchrony, as one form, is arguably primary. Empirical observations of synchronized mechanical (e.g., pendula, Huygens, 1673/1986), biological (e.g., fireflies, Buck & Buck, 1976) and social (e.g., dyads, Schmidt & O’Brien, 1997) systems reveal precisely these characteristic dynamical properties
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
