Blink Synchronization Increases Over Time and Predicts Problem-Solving Performance in Virtual Teams

Abstract

Virtual collaboration is crucial nowadays, while shared attention plays a vital role in problem-solving. This study examines the relationship between blink synchronization, an index of shared attention, and problem-solving performance in a virtual setting. Thirty-seven dyadic teams completed a familiarization and problem-solving task. We hypothesized that blink synchronization would be established during familiarization, impacting performance. Additionally, we expected blink synchronization to increase over time. Results revealed that blink synchronization predicted teams’ problem-solving performance, and blink synchronization increased over time. Our findings shed light on the importance of blink synchronization for shared mental modeling and offer practical insights for virtual teamwork.