The Neuroscience of Team Dynamics: Exploring Neurophysiological Measures for Assessing Team Performance

Assessment of team performance has become increasingly important in recent years, prompting the exploration of innovative approaches to enhance our understanding of the underlying cognitive and neural processes involved. This review examines the application of neuroimaging techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and other brain imaging techniques in assessing team performance. It specifically emphasises the investigation of team aspects using neuroimaging techniques and their relationship to teamwork. By conducting a thorough analysis of the literature, the review highlights the unique capabilities, advantages, and limitations of brain imaging techniques. It also explores different research paradigms, including simulated tasks and real-world team interactions, to provide insights into the methodological landscape of studying team performance using neurophysiological measures. Moreover, the review underscores the significance of team aspects such as cooperation, workload, engagement, and decision-making, which have been investigated through neuroimaging techniques. By synthesising existing research, the review identifies associations between neurophysiological measures and specific indicators of team performance, shedding light on the underlying neural mechanisms that contribute to effective teamwork. Overall, this review highlights the value of neurophysiological measures in assessing team performance, emphasising the exploration of team aspects using neuroimaging techniques and identifying future research directions to advance our understanding of team dynamics and optimise performance in various domains.