What are the factors that determine whether our interactions with others, in pairs or in groups, are successful? When we feel ‘on the same wavelength’ during a communicative exchange, are our brains actually ‘in sync’? Which factors affect such hypothesized brainwave synchrony? Does the ability to successfully tune in with other people’s intentions, expectations, and experience increase the synchronization of brain activity? My current research explores a ‘crowdsourcing neuroscience’ approach to address these and related questions.
Taking coupled neural oscillations as one candidate mechanism to understand social communication in a dynamic context, we aim to bring neuroscience out of the lab, into the real world, by recording EEG activity in classrooms, museums, and other public venues from multiple people simultaneously to investigate what drives brainwave synchronization. The project builds on (a) previous findings demonstrating that predictive processing plays a significant role in facilitating rapid and efficient language comprehension by way of top-down sensory processing; and (b) a series of interactive neurofeedback installations that merge cognitive neuroscience, interactive performance art, and education in an effort to understand the brain basis of human connectedness. (see references and links below). I am further actively involved in the art/science community and the science/education community. For example, as Sackler Brain Bench coordinator, I co-develop the adult brain education curriculum at the American Museum of Natural History, I am creative and scientific director of the Marina Abramovic Institute Science Chamber, and I co-organize the Annual Watermill Art & Science: Insights into Consciousness Workshop. see also www.suzannedikker.net.