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The effect of social engagement on 24‐month‐olds’ imitation from live and televised models
Author(s) -
Nielsen Mark,
Simcock Gabrielle,
Jenkins Linda
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
developmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.801
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1467-7687
pISSN - 1363-755X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-7687.2008.00722.x
Subject(s) - imitation , psychology , interpersonal communication , cognitive psychology , social relation , cognitive imitation , developmental psychology , interpersonal relationship , observational learning , function (biology) , social psychology , evolutionary biology , biology , mathematics education , experiential learning
To date, developmental research has rarely addressed the notion that imitation serves an interpersonal, socially based function. The present research thus examined the role of social engagement on 24‐month‐olds’ imitation by manipulating the social availability of the model. In Experiment 1, the children were more likely to imitate the exact actions of a live socially responsive model compared to a videotaped model who could not provide socially contingent feedback. In Experiment 2, the children were more likely to imitate the exact actions of a model with whom they could communicate via a closed‐circuit TV system than a videotaped model who could not provide interactive feedback. This research provides clear evidence that children's imitative behavior is affected by the social nature of the model. These findings are discussed in relation to theories on imitation and the video deficit.