Rhythm, synchrony, and cooperation

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Patrick E. Savage, Keio University; Momoka Yamauchi, Keio University; Miri Hamaguchi, Keio University; Bronwyn Tarr, Emory University; Yoichi Kitayama, University of Oxford; Shinya Fujii, Keio University
• Language: English
• Date: 2024-06-17
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Version: Preprint (Prior to Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: Authors 2020
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/46bd9
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: PsyArXiv Preprints
• Grant/Funding Information: Funding for this study is provided by a Grant-In-Aid from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (#19KK0064), and by grants from Keio University (Keio Global Research Institute, Keio Research Institute at SFC, and Keio Gijuku Academic Development Fund).
• Keywords: music; distinction; rhythm; social and behavioral sciences; synchrony; cooperation; language
• Research Categories: Music; Psychology, Social; Language, General

Abstract

Previous research suggests that synchronization is a key mechanism facilitating interpersonal cooperation, and rhythmic synchronization to a regular beat is a key feature distinguishing music from language. However, whether synchronization to a regular musical beat enhances cooperation relative to a linguistic control without a regular beat remains debated and has not yet been demonstrated experimentally. We will compare the effects of reciting familiar lyrics (“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”) with and without synchronization to a musical beat on willingness to cooperate (as measured by a public goods game and by attitudinal self-report) for n=200 participants. The results of this Registered Report will provide evidence regarding the existence of causal relationships between music, language, synchrony, and cooperation. This will have important theoretical implications for understanding the origins of music and language, as well as practical implications regarding the use of music to enhance cooperation in contemporary society.