The functions of imitative behaviour in humans

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018-09

Authors

Farmer, Harry (Author) Other; Ciaunica, Anna (Author) FLUP; Hamilton, Antonia F. de C. (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Mind and Language

Vol. 33 No. 4

Pages: 378-396

ISSN: 0268-1064

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Other information

DOI: 10.1111/mila.12189

Abstract (EN): This article focuses on the question of the function of imitation and whether current accounts of imitative function are consistent with our knowledge about imitation's origins. We first review theories of imitative origin concluding that empirical evidence suggests that imitation arises from domain-general learning mechanisms. Next, we lay out a selective account of function that allows normative functions to be ascribed to learned behaviours. We then describe and review four accounts of the function of imitation before evaluating the relationship between the claim that imitation arises out of domain-general learning mechanisms and theories of the function of imitation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19