User:Stahir1/Imitation in animals

Imitation in Animals

Imitation in Animals is a study in the field of social learning where learning behavior is observed in animals specifically how animals learn and adapt through imitation. Imitation is the behavior of observing and replicating another’s behavior, an advanced behavior that is exhibited predominantly by humans and holds much debate in the science world about its role in animal learning and behavior.

Some scientists believe true imitation is only produced by humans, arguing that simple learning though sight is not enough to sustain as a being who can truly imitate. [3]Thorpe defines true imitation as “the copying of a novel or otherwise improbable act or utterance, or some act for which there is clearly no instinctive tendency,” which is highly debated for its portrayal of imitation as a mindless repeating act. [3] True imitation is produced when behavioral, visual and vocal imitation is achieved, not just the simple reproduction of exclusive behaviors. [3] Imitation is not a simple reproduction of what one sees; rather it incorporates intention and purpose. [3] Animal imitation can range from survival purpose; imitating as a function of surviving or adapting, to unknown possible curiosity, which vary between different animals and produce different results depending on the measured intelligence of the animal. [3]

Theories

There are two types of theories of imitation, transformational and associative. Transformational theories suggest that the information that is required to display certain behavior is created internally through cognitive processes and observing these behaviors provides incentive to duplicate them. [2] Meaning we already have the codes to recreate any behavior and observing it results in its replication. Associative theories suggest that the information required to display certain behaviors does not come from within ourselves but solely from our surroundings and experiences. [2] Unfortunately these theories have not yet provided testable predictions in the field of social learning in animals and have yet to conclude strong results. [2]

New Developments

There have been three major developments in the field of animal imitation. The first, behavioral ecologists and experimental psychologists found there to be adaptive patterns in behaviors in different vertebrate species in biologically important situations. [1] The second, primatologists and comparative psychologists have found imperative evidence that suggest true learning through imitation in animals. [1] The third, population biologists and behavioral ecologists created experiments that demand animals to depend on social learning in certain manipulated environments. [1]

References:

1 Galef, J., & Bennett, G. (1998). Recent progress in studies of imitation and social learning in animals. Advances in psychological science, 2, 275-299.

2 Heyes, C. M., & Ray, E. D. (2000). What is the significance of imitation in animals. Advances in the study of behavior, 29, 215–245.

3 Zentall, T., & Akins, C. (2001). Imitation in animals: Evidence, function, and mechanisms. University of Kentucky.