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How to Calculate and Validate Inter-brain Synchronization in a fNIRS Hyperscanning Study
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Holistic cognitive and neural processes: a fNIRS-hyperscanning study on interpersonal sensorimotor synchronization
Ruina Dai1,2,3, Ran Liu4, Tao Liu5
1State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience
|October 16, 2018
Summary
This study introduces holistic cognitive and neural processes for interpersonal sensorimotor synchronization (SMS). Holistic processes significantly impact synchronization, with specific roles for correction gain and mentalizing others
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Social Interaction Dynamics
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Interpersonal sensorimotor synchronization (SMS) is crucial for social interaction.
- Prior research focused on individual cognitive aspects of SMS.
- Holistic properties emerge from the interaction system during SMS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and quantify holistic cognitive and neural processes in interpersonal SMS.
- To investigate the impact of these holistic processes on synchronization performance.
- To identify neural markers associated with holistic interpersonal SMS.
Main Methods:
- Developed quantitative measurements: Holistic Correction Gain (HCG), Holistic Timekeeper Variance (HTV), Holistic Motor Variance (HMV).
- Utilized a linear error correction model and hyperscanning with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
- Conducted joint-tapping experiments under bidirectional and unidirectional conditions.
Main Results:
- Dyads' synchronization performance strongly correlated with integrated holistic cognitive processes.
- HCG was vital for maintaining synchronization; HTV related to mentalizing others' behavior.
- Inter-brain coupling in the right prefrontal cortex (PFC) differed between conditions, indicating holistic neural markers.
Conclusions:
- Holistic cognitive and neural processes are fundamental to interpersonal SMS.
- Specific holistic processes contribute uniquely to synchronization and social cognition.
- Right PFC inter-brain coupling serves as a neural marker for holistic interpersonal SMS.
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