SSP Forum: Shannon Burns on interdependent minds

The
Symbolic Systems Forum
(community sessions of SYMSYS 280 - Symbolic Systems Research Seminar)
presents

Beyond Synchrony: Exploring the dynamics of interdependent minds

Shannon M. Burns
Psychological Science and Neuroscience Departments
Pomona College

Monday, October 20, 2025
12;30-1:20 pm PT
Computing and Data Science Building, Room E145
In-person event, not recorded

Note: Lunch is provided, if pre-ordered, only for members of SYMSYS 280, but others are welcome to bring a lunch and eat during the presentation.

Abstract:

Theories of social interaction posit that in order to coordinate with other people effectively, separate minds must mutually adapt to each other and converge on overlapping mental representations. Through this, one can anticipate the behavior of other people, form joint goals, and operate as cohesive social units. However, the dynamics of mutual adaptation during real-time social interaction is still in question, along with its neural implementation. This talk will discuss a set of studies aimed at documenting the nature of interdependence between interacting brains in various naturalistic contexts, with the hope of advancing research into the neural and psychological mechanisms that enable the richness of human social life.