Imitation Preference as a Function of Motor Competence

Abstract

Previous theory in the areas of attention and imitation led to the hypothesis that a child's preference for imitation would be biased in favor of responses in the process of development. To test this hypothesis, children 2 to 4 yr. of age (N' = 60) observed a videotaped, same-sex model perform sequences of skills requiring different levels of motor development. Children were asked to imitate one act from each sequence of skills. The level of the skill chosen for imitation was related to level of motor competence, as measured by the Denver Developmental Screening Test, in two of the three sequences used. Children tended to imitate skills at their own developmental level rather than skills above and below their current level of competence. The results support the hypothesis that imitation is biased in favor of emerging or nearly mastered skills.