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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.09.21.558775

Brain-to-brain coupling forecasts future joint action outcomes

Markiewicz, R.·Segaert, K.·Mazaheri, A.
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Abstract

In this study, we investigated whether brain-to-brain coupling patterns could predict performance in a time-estimation task which requires two players to cooperate. The participant pairs, were tasked with synchronising button presses after converging on a shared representation of short, medium, and long time intervals while utilizing feedback to adjust responses. We employed EEG-hyperscanning and focused on post-feedback brain activity. We found that negative feedback led to increased frontal mid-line theta activity across individuals. Moreover, a correlation in post-feedback theta power between players forecasted failed joint action, while an anti-correlation forecasted success. These findings suggest that temporally coupled feedback related brain activity between two individuals serves as an indicator of redundancy in adjustment of a common goal representation. Additionally, the anti-correlation of this activity reflects cognitive strategic mechanisms that ensure optimal joint action outcomes. Rather than a paired overcompensation, successful cooperation requires flexible strategic agility from both partners.

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Markiewicz, R., Segaert, K., Mazaheri, A.. 2023-09-22. Brain-to-brain coupling forecasts future joint action outcomes. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.09.21.558775

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