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Imitation: A Review and Critique

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Perspectives in Ethology

Abstract

Imitation in nonprimates is reviewed along theoretical and experimental lines. Difficulties with definitions and classifications of imitative phenomena are noted. The history of the topic is considered in terms of three basic paradigms: (1) early comparative psychology, (2) S-R/reinforcement learning theory, and (3) classical ethology. The current status of work on bird vocalization (“vocal imitation” and “vocal mimicry”), “social facilitation,” and “observational learning” is evaluated. It is concluded that an inductive approach is needed in the study of imitative behavior, starting with the selection of reliably observed, naturally occurring imitative phenomena, followed by appropriate experimental analyses of the various determinants of each phenomenon.

Support was provided by a Public Health Service (NIMH) predoctoral fellowship to the author and by National Science Foundation and National Institute of Mental Health grants to Dr. J. E. R. Staddon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Duke University Durham, North Carolina, USA

    J. Michael Davis

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  1. J. Michael Davis
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  1. Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Cambridge, High Street, Madingley, CB3 8AA, Cambridge, England

    P. P. G. Bateson

  2. Department of Zoology, Duke University, 27706, Durham, North Carolina, USA

    Peter H. Klopfer

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© 1973 Plenum Press, New York

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Davis, J.M. (1973). Imitation: A Review and Critique. In: Bateson, P.P.G., Klopfer, P.H. (eds) Perspectives in Ethology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-7569-6_2

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