Interpersonal and intrapersonal coordinative modes for joint and single task performance

In recent years, research in the field of social interactions has focused on the exploration of the coordinative structures that substantiate joint task performance. The current project explores whether interpersonal coordination during joint task performance gives rise to a joint coordinative structure across individuals, and whether such coordinative structures are affected by task demands. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to identify relevant interpersonal and intrapersonal coordinative modes for the single and joint performance of a supra-postural task, which varied along its precision and role demands. In addition, cross-recurrence quantification analysis (CRQA) was combined with PCA in order to quantify the degree and stability of interpersonal coordination across intrapersonal coordinative modes. Results indicate that the composition and number of coordinative modes varied for joint compared to single performance, and that interpersonal coordination across the first coordinative mode increased in degree and stability for joint compared to single performance. Overall, these findings indicate that joint coordinative structures are affected by the nature of the task performed and the constraints it places on joint and single performance.