Neural synchrony and cognitive map formulation in collaborative navigation: leader-follower couplings revealed by EEG hyperscanning.
Collaborative navigation relies on distinct neural strategies for leaders and followers, with faster teams showing more efficient brain coordination.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the dsip corpusSummary and findings
This study examined neural synchronization during collaborative navigation tasks among 70 participants. Participants engaged in dyadic route-planning and navigation within a virtual reality environment. The study found distinct patterns of intrabrain and interbrain connectivity associated with the roles of leaders and followers.
Abstract
This study aims to address a theoretical gap in how people formulate cognitive maps in a social context. The concept of a cognitive map, a mental representation of spatial relations, has been widely used to explain individual navigation. When navigating with others, the exchange of spatial knowledge and the formation of cognitive maps in leaders and followers are natural and ubiquitous, yet their neural underpinnings remain insufficiently understood. We investigated these mechanisms by recording hyperscanning electroencephalography (EEG) from 70 participants engaged in dyadic route-planning and navigation tasks within a virtual reality environment. Intrabrain and interbrain couplings were analyzed across frequency bands using connectivity measures. We observed robust neural synchronization patterns associated with collaborative navigation performance and role. Intrabrain connectivity analyses showed increased delta coupling in both leaders and followers, whereas theta connectivity was particularly enhanced in followers. Alpha-band connectivity displayed divergent patterns between roles, suggesting distinct neural strategies for spatial processing. Interbrain analyses revealed increased delta causality between partners but decreased theta and gamma couplings from followers to leaders. Faster-performing dyads exhibited overall reduced interbrain coupling, especially in theta bands, indicating more efficient neural coordination. Collaborative navigation relies on frequency-specific, role-dependent neural coordination both within and between brains, and more efficient dyads may require less sustained interbrain coupling. These findings can inform the design of navigation aids, training protocols, and collaborative interfaces that better support leader-follower coordination and improve joint spatial decision making in real-world settings.<h4>Supplementary information</h4>The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11571-026-10521-4.
Background
This paper addresses how cognitive maps are formulated in social contexts, particularly during navigation tasks. Previous research has primarily focused on individual navigation without considering collaborative dynamics. Understanding the neural mechanisms behind leader-follower interactions in navigation could enhance the design of tools and training for better spatial decision-making.
Methods
The study utilized hyperscanning electroencephalography (EEG) to record brain activity from 70 participants during dyadic navigation tasks. The primary outcome measures included intrabrain and interbrain connectivity across different frequency bands. The study did not specify the duration of the tasks or the specific EEG analysis techniques used.
Results
The study observed increased delta coupling in both leaders and followers, with theta connectivity particularly enhanced in followers. Faster-performing dyads showed reduced interbrain coupling, especially in theta bands, suggesting more efficient neural coordination. Specific numeric findings were not reported in the abstract.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that collaborative navigation involves distinct neural strategies based on roles, with implications for understanding cognitive processes in social contexts. While the results indicate significant differences in connectivity patterns, the clinical relevance of these findings remains uncertain without further validation in diverse settings. Limitations such as the specific task and participant characteristics may affect the generalizability of the results.
Key findings
- Increased delta coupling in both leaders and followers.
- Theta connectivity was particularly enhanced in followers.
- Faster-performing dyads exhibited overall reduced interbrain coupling, especially in theta bands.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.
- Specific task may limit generalizability.
- Virtual reality environment may not reflect real-world navigation.