Brain-to-brain coupling forecasts future joint action outcomes

Abstract

In this study, we investigated whether brain-to-brain coupling patterns in a two-player time-estimation game could predict performance in a cooperation task. The participant pairs (N=30), were tasked with synchronising button presses after converging (and waiting) 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 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 common goal representation. Additionally, the anti-correlation of this activity reflects cognitive strategic mechanisms that ensure optimal joint action outcomes. Rather than a mere meet in the middle strategy, successful cooperation requires flexible strategic agility from both partners.