Project description
Interpersonal neural synchrony in human conversations
Turn-taking and phonetic convergence are important indicators of mutual engagement in conversations. Theoretical accounts suggest that interpersonal neural synchrony (INS) underpins these conversational patterns, yet only a limited number of studies have explored INS in the context of free-flowing conversations. With the support of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SYNCON project will assess the correlational and causal relationship between INS and conversations characterised by increased turn-taking and phonetic convergence. Through an analysis of INS frequency, phase, and topography, the project will generate dyad-specific INS profiles to induce those in interlocutors using a longitudinal design (personalised neuroscience). The project will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of human communication.
Objective
Verbal conversations are a hallmark of human social interaction and are supported by various socio-cognitive processes promoting specific conversation patterns. For instance, more engaging conversations are marked by how often and quickly participants switch turns speaking (turn-taking). Similarly, an engaging conversation is also marked by the interlocutors converging towards a common phonetic space (phonetic convergence). One of the neural mechanisms supporting these conversation patterns is proposed to be interpersonal neural synchrony (INS), the coupling of brain oscillations between two interlocutors. However, only a few studies truly tested the role of INS during free-flowing conversations. These studies have some limitations as they were either conducted in a non-ecologically valid context or the evidence was purely correlational. In addition, important inter-dyadic differences were neglected. The present project – SYNCON – aims to overcome these limitations by combining EEG hyperscanning with multi-person brain stimulation (tACS) and personalized neuroscience. I will first measure the correlation between INS and mutually engaged conversations marked by enhanced turn-taking and phonetic convergence. The measurement will yield a dyad-specific INS profile, considering properties such as frequency, phase, and topography. Utilizing a longitudinal design, these profiles will allow me – in a second experiment – to exogenously induce INS between interlocutors and, in turn, promote mutually engaged conversations (i.e. increased turn-taking and phonetic convergence). Understanding the causal role of INS in conversations will have groundbreaking applications for facilitating interpersonal communication across therapeutical and educational contexts. Accordingly, this project will address critical gaps in our understanding of the neural underpinnings of human communication and its potential use in applied contexts.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
16163 Genova
Italy
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.