Groups clapping in unison undergo size-dependent error-induced frequency increase

Abstract

Humans clapping together in unison is a familiar and robust example of emergent synchrony. We find that in experiments, such groups (from two to a few hundred) always increase clapping frequency, and larger groups increase more quickly. Based on single-person experiments and modeling, an individual tendency to rush is ruled out as an explanation. Instead, an asymmetric sensitivity in aural interactions explains the frequency increase, whereby individuals correct more strongly to match neighbour claps that precede their own clap, than those that follow it. A simple conceptual coupled oscillator model based on this interaction recovers the main features observed in experiments, and shows that the collective frequency increase is driven by the small timing errors in individuals, and the resulting inter-individual interactions that occur to maintain unison.

A Kuramoto model of self-other integration across interpersonal synchronization strategies

“…Our results show that complex human behaviour can be described by a reduced model consisting of four oscillators and four coupling terms. While there have been multiple previous attempts at modelling interpersonal synchronization using either an information-processing or a dynamical systems approach, our work is the first to reproduce all three empirically-observed synchronization strategies 5,[16][17][18][19] . We find that these strategies rely on the balance of within-and between-unit coupling strengths in our model, and are placed at different points in the parameter space of the model.…”

“…When two people perform a simple task together, such as walking together or applauding a successful performance, they tend towards synchronization 5,6 . This emergence of synchrony is also found in many other natural phenomena 3 , such as the collective flashings of fireflies 7 , or the pacemaker cells in the heart 8 .…”

“…This shows as a positive correlation at either lag +1 or lag -1, depending on which member is leading. While both these strategies have been reported in multiple studies, recently a third strategy called leading-leading was found 5,11,12,15 . In the leading-leading strategy both members resist adaptation and rather taps along without much regard to the performance of their tapping partner.…”

“…This results in a pattern with low correlation coefficients across all lags. While there have been attempts at modelling such behaviour with coupled oscillators the existing models have not captured the mechanisms underlying these distinct synchronization strategies 5,[16][17][18][19] .…”

Asymmetric dynamic interaction shifts synchronized frequency of coupled oscillators

“…For example, music play of finger tapping has been reported to show a faster paired synchronized rhythm when there is no timing cue by the director 19 . The hand clapping of students has also been studied and faster synchronized rhythm like for the finger tapping 19 has been reported 20 . For applause of audiences, however, slower synchronized rhythm has been observed 21 .…”