Imitation

This article is about the behaviour in humans and animals. For other uses, see Imitation (disambiguation).

A toddler imitates his father.

Imitation (from Latin imitatio, "a copying, imitation"[1]) is a behavior whereby an individual observes and replicates another's behavior. Imitation is also a form of that leads to the "development of traditions, and ultimately our culture. It allows for the transfer of information (behaviors, customs, etc.) between individuals and down generations without the need for genetic inheritance."[2] The word imitation can be applied in many contexts, ranging from animal training to politics.[3] The term generally refers to conscious behavior; subconscious imitation is termed mirroring.[4]

  1. ^ imitation, Online etymology dictionary
  2. ^ Hopper, Lydia M. (2010). "Deferred imitation in children and apes". Psychologist. 23 (4): 294–7. Archived from the original on August 3, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  3. ^ Moss, Ellen; Strayer, F. F. (1988). "Imitation is the Greatest form of Flattery". PsycCRITIQUES. 33 (11): 970–971. doi:10.1037/026218.
  4. ^ Chartrand, T.; Bargh, J. (1999). "The Chameleon Effect: The Perception-Behavior Link and Social Interaction" (PDF). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 76 (6). New York University: 893–910. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.76.6.893. PMID 10402679. S2CID 11818459. Retrieved September 28, 2014.