Two Functions of Imitation During Infancy

Abstract

A review of recent studies on imitation, particularly during infancy, suggests that imitation may serve two functions: gaining understanding of puzzling observations and communicating mutuality and shared understanding with another person. Although changes in cognitive understanding influence development in imitation, the occurrence of imitation in specific situations may be governed by the interplay of the two functions that imitation can serve. This analysis implies that research needs to consider not only the kinds of acts that are imitated at different developmental levels, but also the child's understanding of the interpersonal interaction during which imitation is obtained in order to elucidate the age-related trends in imitation.