The article reviews recent research on sensorimotor synchronization (SMS) from 2006 to 2012, building upon earlier reviews by Repp (2005, 2006a, 2006b). The review is divided into four parts: conventional tapping studies, other forms of moving in synchrony with external rhythms, interpersonal synchronization, and the neuroscience of SMS. Key findings include:
1. **Tapping Studies**: Finger tapping in synchrony with an external rhythm remains a popular paradigm. Studies have shown that the variability of intertap intervals (ITIs) and asynchronies (syncopations) are influenced by factors such as age, musical training, and task difficulty. Musicians generally show lower variability and negative mean asynchrony (NMA) compared to non-musicians.
2. **Other Forms of Synchronous Movement**: Research has expanded to include continuous movements like dancing and non-human animals' synchronization abilities. These studies highlight the broadening of the field and the importance of understanding synchronization in various contexts.
3. **Interpersonal Synchronization**: This area has seen significant growth, with studies focusing on musical ensemble performance and other interpersonal coordination tasks. The review discusses the development, enhancement, and impairment of interpersonal synchronization abilities, particularly in musical contexts.
4. **Neuroscience of SMS**: The neuroscience of SMS is explored, including the neural mechanisms underlying rhythm perception and synchronization. Recent findings suggest that specific brain regions and cognitive processes are involved in achieving accurate and smooth synchronization.
The article emphasizes the increasing complexity and diversity of SMS research, highlighting the need for continued interdisciplinary collaboration to advance our understanding of this phenomenon.The article reviews recent research on sensorimotor synchronization (SMS) from 2006 to 2012, building upon earlier reviews by Repp (2005, 2006a, 2006b). The review is divided into four parts: conventional tapping studies, other forms of moving in synchrony with external rhythms, interpersonal synchronization, and the neuroscience of SMS. Key findings include:
1. **Tapping Studies**: Finger tapping in synchrony with an external rhythm remains a popular paradigm. Studies have shown that the variability of intertap intervals (ITIs) and asynchronies (syncopations) are influenced by factors such as age, musical training, and task difficulty. Musicians generally show lower variability and negative mean asynchrony (NMA) compared to non-musicians.
2. **Other Forms of Synchronous Movement**: Research has expanded to include continuous movements like dancing and non-human animals' synchronization abilities. These studies highlight the broadening of the field and the importance of understanding synchronization in various contexts.
3. **Interpersonal Synchronization**: This area has seen significant growth, with studies focusing on musical ensemble performance and other interpersonal coordination tasks. The review discusses the development, enhancement, and impairment of interpersonal synchronization abilities, particularly in musical contexts.
4. **Neuroscience of SMS**: The neuroscience of SMS is explored, including the neural mechanisms underlying rhythm perception and synchronization. Recent findings suggest that specific brain regions and cognitive processes are involved in achieving accurate and smooth synchronization.
The article emphasizes the increasing complexity and diversity of SMS research, highlighting the need for continued interdisciplinary collaboration to advance our understanding of this phenomenon.