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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 14, 2025

A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator TAPS

A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator TAPS

Published on: June 3, 2009

Monkey see, monkey tap: mimicry of movement dynamics during coordinated tapping.

Carolyn Kroger¹, Florian A Kagerer², J Devin McAuley^3,4

¹Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA. krogerca@msu.edu.

Experimental Brain Research

|March 8, 2021

Summary

Individuals unconsciously copy subtle movement details from partners during synchronized tapping tasks. This implicit mimicry of spatial movement characteristics occurs even when participants tap alone after interacting.

Keywords:

Finger tapping Interpersonal synchronization Mimicry Motion tracking Movement timing

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Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

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Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025

A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator TAPS

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Published on: June 3, 2009

Uncovering Beat Deafness: Detecting Rhythm Disorders with Synchronized Finger Tapping and Perceptual Timing Tasks

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Published on: March 16, 2015

Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation

Published on: December 31, 2013

Area of Science:

Psychology
Neuroscience
Human Movement Science

Background:

Social behaviors like conversation and sports rely on precise interpersonal action coordination.
Understanding implicit mimicry in movement is crucial for explaining social interaction dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the extent to which individuals implicitly mimic spatial movement characteristics during interpersonal coordination tasks.
To differentiate between spatial and temporal aspects of movement mimicry.

Main Methods:

Two experiments utilized an interpersonal synchronization-continuation tapping paradigm.
Motion capture technology recorded spatial and temporal movement dynamics.
Participants performed synchronized and solo tapping tasks with and without partners present.

Main Results:

Participants implicitly mimicked subtle spatial elements of their partner's movements during synchronized tapping.
Finger extension (tap amplitude) and dwell time showed correlations between partners.
Spatial mimicry effects were observed in subsequent solo tapping, particularly after interpersonal interaction.

Conclusions:

Individuals unconsciously synchronize spatial aspects of their movements with partners, beyond just timing.
Implicit spatial mimicry can persist even in solo performance after social interaction.
Findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms of interpersonal coordination and social synchrony.