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Elements of a comprehensive theory of infant imitation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 December 2017

Andrew N. Meltzoff
Andrew N. Meltzoff*
Affiliation:
Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195. meltzoff@uw.edu http://ilabs.washington.edu/meltzoff
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Abstract

Imitation is central to human development. Imitation involves mapping between the perception and production of actions. Imitation after delays implicates preverbal memory. Imitation of people informs us about infants' processing of social events. A comprehensive theory needs to account for the origins, mechanisms, and functions of imitation. Neonatal imitation illuminates how the initial state engenders and supports rapid social learning.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 40 , 2017 , e396
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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