Imitation

Anthropological evidence has shown that, in many cultures, observational learning and imitation are the major ways by which behaviors unique to that culture are transmitted from one generation to the next. It has been argued that imitation is more efficient than either trial-and-error learning or individual problem solving. Learning by imitation is much more rapid

Deferred Imitation

Deferred imitation refers to observing a model and replicating important aspects of the model’s behavior after some significant period. Jean Piaget proposed that deferred imitation, along with language, imagery, and symbolic play, is an indication of the symbolic (or semiotic) function. Although Piaget stated that deferred imitation emerges at around 18 months of age, more