Temporal Synchronization of Multimodal Hyperscanning Recordings: Challenges, Methodologies, and Best Practices

In multimodal hyperscanning, multiple signal modalities are collected simultaneously from multiple participants. Temporal synchronization of sensor nodes in such scenarios is crucial for analyzing temporal dependencies across participants and modalities.Here, we present an overview of challenges, methods and best practices for achieving precise and accurate temporal synchronization in multimodal hyperscanning studies. We discuss various methods for temporal synchronization, the challenges involved, and the implications for data analysis and interpretation.We also present analysis and considerations on the effects of sampling clock mismatches between nodes in a system, and provide guidance on how to quantify trigger offsets and noise in a recording setup.By providing an overview of different methods, we aim to guide researchers in optimizing their experimental designs for successful multimodal hyperscanning studies.