The functions of imitative behaviour in humans

Abstract

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.

Keywords: function; imitation; mimicry; simulation; social cognition; social learning.

Figure 1

The space of sensorimotor contingencies. People learn a wide variety of sensorimotor contingencies over their lifetime, which we arrange in a 3d space. Panel A shows two axes of this space – social relevance and strength of SMC. Panel B shows a different view of the same space, emphasising social relevance and modality. In both, boxes give examples of SMCs found at different places in the space. Grey boxes indicate SMCs which are imitative