When attending a live concert, audience members can connect emotionally with the music due to their biological synchronization to the sound waves. However, the specific process behind this biological reaction is not fully understood. A recent groundbreaking study has revealed that synchronization in heart rates induced by music tends to be more consistent within an individual than between randomly selected individuals. The study also suggests that individual differences in cognition can impact physiological responses and synchronization.
Common input synchronization is a phenomenon where systems or organisms exposed to the same input exhibit similar responses. For instance, individuals at a concert may undergo emotional synchronization while listening to music. Ryota Nomura, an Associate Professor at Waseda University in Japan, proposes that music-induced heart rate synchronization could be the key to understanding the collective behavior of a large audience in a theater setting. Previous research has shown that correlations between individuals based on physiological signals, such as heart rate, are typically low. Studies exploring synchronization induced by common input across different individuals suggest that the weak correlation stems from the limited connection between conscious processing and heart rate within an individual. This intra-personal correlation is challenging to manipulate directly. Therefore, Dr. Nomura’s study aims to eliminate individual differences in processing by repeatedly exposing the same individuals to common input.
Dr. Nomura recently published this insightful study in Scientific Reports on May 28, 2024. The research demonstrates that synchronization of physical and cognitive processes is more pronounced within an individual compared to between different individuals. The study highlights that heart rate synchronization in response to music relies on consistent physiological reactions of the listener rather than their mood or music preferences. According to Dr. Nomura, this study provides insights into the reproducibility of aesthetic experiences in theaters in terms of reliability.
The investigation delved into inter- and intra-subject correlations based on instantaneous heart rate data recorded during music listening. To assess the impact of mood on music-induced heart rate synchronization, participants listened to the same music piece on different days. Similarly, to gauge the influence of music preference on heart rate synchronization, the study compared a person’s response to a music piece chosen by the researcher versus a piece that deeply resonated with them, presented in random order.
The findings revealed that an individual’s heart rate response to music is notably more consistent over time when compared to the correlation in responses between different individuals. Dr. Nomura pointed out that inter-subject correlations consistently fell short in comparison to intra-subject correlations, regardless of participants’ music tastes and daily moods. The researcher concludes that music-induced heart rate synchronization hinges on the reliability of physiological responses to musical stimuli rather than temporary emotions or motivations.
This study paves the way for a deeper understanding of collective human emotions to enhance the experience of theater performances. By identifying the factors influencing heart-rate synchronization and subsequent emotional responses, the study offers valuable insights for the success of performing arts. Dr. Nomura emphasizes that the study’s implications could aid in predicting the success of theater performances based on audience data, like the performers’ skill levels, thereby contributing to enhanced theatrical experiences. Additionally, the development of devices that enhance reliability could foster synchronization of multiple audience members’ physiological states.
