Towards an emerging field of social neuroscience in human groups

Introduction

Group interaction is part of our evolutionary history and continues to be central to modern society. Whereas some groups function harmoniously and productively, others do not. Understanding group processes affecting these outcomes is vital because group discourse and actions affect individuals’ well-being and societal functioning.

Importance of Group Processes

Examining the interactive biobehavioral processes that emerge between group members during shared tasks – the processes that influence actions, emotions, and cognitions – will enhance our understanding of group functioning and dynamics. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of the biobehavioral processes underlying successful group functioning remains elusive.

Focus of the GROUPS Project

To fill this gap, GROUPS focuses on the multimodal -- neural, physiological, and behavioral -- synchrony patterns emerging between group members. Interpersonal synchrony is a ubiquitous and spontaneous process; a key mechanism in social interactions that pulls us to clap in unison with the crowd or to join others in protesting for a just cause.

Modulating Factors

Contextual factors and individual differences modulate multimodal synchrony by prompting us to connect with, or separate from, the group. Multimodal synchrony, in turn, enhances or reduces relational (cohesion, trust, rapport, identification) and goal-oriented (performance, efficacy, creativity) outcomes.

Project Objectives

The project’s objectives are to examine:

1. Whether and how multimodal synchrony affects group outcomes on the individual, dyadic, and group level.
2. How individuals’ traits (demographic, psychological, physiological) impact multimodal synchrony and its outcomes in groups.
3. How competitive versus cooperative interpersonal contexts impact multimodal synchrony and its effects on groups.

Contribution to Society

Realizing these objectives will advance the science of human groups by going beyond existing insights on the functioning of animal collectives and human dyads, and may thereby contribute to a more inclusive and productive society.