A partial replication of Mussen and Parker (1965) tested the hypothesis that a model's nurturance enhances the imitation of task-relevant behavior but not of task-irrelevant behavior. S either interacted for 15 min. with a friendly model or played for 15 min. by herself. In a subsequent individual session the model solved three Porteus Mazes during which she performed also four irrelevant acts. Thereafter, the 24 girls had to solve the same mazes. The results confirmed the hypothesis.
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