Author(s)

Ken Fujiwara

Faculty of Human Sciences, Osaka University of Economics, Osaka, Japan.

By applying multiple wavelet coherence (MWC) to data from human body movements in triadic interaction, this study quantified triadic synchrony, rhythmic similarity among three interactants. Thirty-nine Japanese undergraduates were randomly assigned in a triad, and engaged in a brain-storming task. Triadic synchrony was quantified by calculating MWC to the time-series movement data collected by Kinect v2 sensor. The existence of synchrony was statistically tested by using a pseudo-synchrony paradigm. Results showed that the averaged value of MWC was higher in the experimental participant trio than in those of the pseudo trio in the frequency band of 0.5 - 1 Hz. The result supports the possible utility of applying multiple wavelet coherence to evaluate triadic synchrony in a small group interaction.

Multiple Wavelet Coherence, Nonverbal Behavior, Synchrony, Small Group, Automated Method

Fujiwara, K. (2016) Triadic Synchrony: Application of Multiple Wavelet Coherence to a Small Group Conversation. Applied Mathematics, 7, 1477-1483. doi: 10.4236/am.2016.714126.