Symbol Communication Systems Integrate Implicit Information in Coordination Tasks

Abstract

In order to study the formation of communication systems through interactions, we conducted an experiment in which pairs of participants attempted to complete a coordination task through an exchange of messages composed of a set of abstract figures. At the beginning of the interaction, there was no shared rule for the meanings and usage of the figures as symbols. We observed that the participants completed the coordination task by forming communication systems. We suggested that communication systems can be developed effectively if participants have implicit behavioral tendencies, such as using small number of symbols, meeting at a usual place, and smooth turn taking.