Young children learn from others' examples, and they do so selectively. We examine whether the efficacy of prior experiences influences children's imitation. Thirty-six-month-olds had initial experience on a causal learning task either by performing the task themselves or by watching an adult perform it. The nature of the experience was…

Peer interactions are important in the socialization of aggression, sex-role learning, and the internalization of moral values, and contribute to the development of cognitive and language skills. Evidence is presented to support the contention that peer modeling is among the most powerful social influences to which children are exposed.…

This paper tests the idea that the experience of violence in childhood constitutes a factor leading to the approval of adult violence for achieving socially desirable goals. Using the data from a national survey conducted in 1968, the study constructs indexes on Interpersonal Violence Approval, National Violence Approval, and Political Violence…

Only recently have imitation researchers turned their attention to the effects on the model of being imitated by observers. This report outlines and reviews the findings of research in the developing paradigms. Four paradigms into the effects of being imitated are examined briefly: (1) operant strengthening paradigm; (2) classical conditioning…

A method of rapid token training was undertaken in which 20 moderately retarded institutionalized adults observed a model perform a specific behavior for which a token was awarded and exchanged for a back-up reinforcer. (CL)

Reviews literature on effects of being imitated and the social influence function of imitation, plus related literature on conformity from social psychology. Considers this research within a number of theoretical contexts, especially within the conceptual framework of effectance motivation. Suggests imitation may facilitate mastery and control of…

Studied the imitation behavior of thirty 14- to 18-month-olds using peer and adult models in an elicited imitation paradigm. Indicated significant memory for 3-step behavior sequences both immediately after modeling and 1 week later compared with baseline performance. Found that children in the peer model group outperformed children in the adult…

This document presents a detailed review and index of post-1960 modeling-imitation research relevant to the development and education of children. Each research study is described in terms of purpose, independent and dependent variables, task and procedures, model and subject characteristics, materials and results. In addition, an overall model is…