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The Peer Model Advantage in Infants’ Imitation of Familiar Gestures Performed by Differently Aged Models

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Infants' imitation of differently aged models has been predominately investigated with object-related actions and so far has lead to mixed evidence. Whereas some studies reported an increased likelihood of imitating peer models in contrast to adult models, other studies reported the opposite pattern of results. In the present study, 14-month-old infants were presented with four familiar gestures (e.g., clapping) that were demonstrated by differently aged televised models (peer, older child, adult). Results revealed that infants were more likely to imitate the peer model than the older child or the adult. This result is discussed with respect to a social function of imitation and the mechanism of imitating familiar behavior.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00252

Authors: Norbert Zmyj, Gisa Aschersleben, Wolfgang Prinz, Moritz Daum

Institutions: Ruhr University Bochum, Saarland University, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Max Planck Society

Language: English

Topic: Child and Animal Learning Development

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,987

OpenAlex ID: W2104198749

FWCI: 7.085

Cites: 52

Cited by: 51

Related to: 10