Work

Evaluating Causal Psychological Models: Causes of Altered Imitation in Autism Using a Large Sample

Year: 2023

Type: preprint

Abstract: We used a large convenience sample (n=22,228) from the Simons Powering Autism Research(SPARK) dataset to evaluate theories positing various psychological factors as causes of altered imitation in autism. We used a highly theory-constrained approach, formalizing statistical models based on the proposals of Hobson & Lee (1999), Baron-Cohen (1988) and Smith & Bryson (1994). These theories specified key roles of social engagement, metarepresentation and the effect of restricted and repetitive behaviors on motor development. Our results disconfirmed a key role of any of these factors in the development of altered propensity to imitate, within the limitations of the convenience dataset.

DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/q3xda

Authors: Bohao Tang, Ericka Wodka, Brian Caffo, Joshua Ewen

Language: English

Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative

OpenAlex ID: W4313427923

Cites: 49

Cited by:

Related to: 10