Effect of Similarity Training on Imitation

Abstract

The effect of increasing the reward value of stimulus similarity in a match-to-sample task upon subsequent imitation (behavioral similarity) was assessed. Subjects ( N = 48) were assigned to three groups: an experimental group (similarity) who received reinforcement for stimulus matching, and two control groups who served to help assess the effects of reinforcement and exposure to the match-to-sample task. Subjects were then exposed to televised models demonstrating task-oriented and task-incidental behaviors, and their subsequent imitation was observed. Only the results for males with task-incidental imitation were consistent with the hypothesis, and several research and clinical implications were discussed.