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Related Experiment Videos

An analysis of generalized imitation.

R L Burgess1, J M Burgess, K C Esveldt

  • 1University of Washington.

Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|April 1, 1970
PubMed
Summary

Children quickly stopped imitating unreinforced Spanish words, but resumed imitating English words when reinforcement returned. This highlights the importance of reinforcement in maintaining imitative behavior.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Child Development
  • Language Acquisition

Background:

  • Imitation is a key learning mechanism in children.
  • Understanding factors influencing imitation is crucial for educational and therapeutic interventions.
  • Previous research suggests reinforcement plays a role in maintaining imitative behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of reinforcement in maintaining imitative responses in children.
  • To examine whether children discriminate between reinforced and non-reinforced imitative tasks.
  • To explore variables contributing to non-reinforced imitation.

Main Methods:

  • Three intermediate-level children were presented with English and Spanish words.
  • Reinforcement was provided for accurate imitation of English words only.
  • Experimental conditions were manipulated to assess discrimination and the effects of alternative reinforcement.

Main Results:

  • Children ceased imitating non-reinforced Spanish words after initial exposure or discrimination training.
  • When reinforcement was shifted to non-imitative responses, all imitation ceased.
  • Reintroducing reinforcement for English imitations immediately restored the behavior to 100% accuracy.

Conclusions:

  • Imitative behavior is highly dependent on contingent reinforcement.
  • Children can discriminate between reinforced and non-reinforced imitative tasks.
  • Variables such as stimulus generalization and instructional control may influence non-reinforced imitation.

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