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Towards an emerging field of social neuroscience in human groups

Project description

A closer look at group dynamics

Group interaction is a fundamental aspect of human existence, shaping our social structures and influencing our well-being. However, not all groups function harmoniously, leading to detrimental effects on individuals and society. Despite their significance in daily life, understanding the intricate processes underlying successful group dynamics remains elusive. In this context, the ERC-funded GROUPS project embarks on a journey to explore the complex interplay of neural, physiological and behavioural synchrony among group members. The aim of studying multimodal synchrony is to understand its impact on group outcomes. From individual traits to competitive versus cooperative contexts, GROUPS delves into the factors influencing group dynamics. By advancing our understanding, this project promises insights into building more cohesive and effective communities, fostering a more inclusive society.

Objective

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2023-COG

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Host institution

BAR ILAN UNIVERSITY
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 2 000 000,00
Address
BAR ILAN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
52900 Ramat Gan
Israel

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 2 000 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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