Study Reveals Brain Wave Sync Up in Groups Achieving Consensus
A recent neuroimaging study published in Nature Communications found that after reaching consensus, group members’ brain waves become more synchronized. Participants watched ambiguous movie clips, discussed them, and reached a common understanding. The study, involving 49 MBA students, revealed increased similarity in brain activity, especially in visual, auditory, and higher-order areas, once consensus was achieved.
High-status participants spoke more and disrupted group alignment, while central network members encouraged equal participation, leading to greater neural alignment. The findings suggest that synchronized thinking may enhance social connection and highlight the role of communication in shaping neural processes, although effects varied with different content.